Iodine-131 is a naturally occurring radioisotope and its radioactivity is useful in everyday applications. For example, iodine-131 can diagnose and treat thyroid cancer. Iodine 131 can have many positive uses, however, if ingested, its effects can seriously harm the body. Alpha decay occurs when the nucleus of an unstable atom releases two protons and two neutrons (commonly known as a helium atom), called alpha particles (Lab, n.d.). Since the mass and atomic number change, the element also changes (Lab, n.d.). Alpha particles cannot pass through paper (Lab, nd), but can still cause damage to internal organs if consumed. Beta radiation is the release of beta particles, which are electrons ejected from a decaying atom (Lab, n.d.). Beta radiation cannot pass through aluminum (Laboratory, nd). Beta-minus decay occurs when a neutron transforms into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino (Lab, n.d.). An antineutrino is the “antiparticle” of a neutrino particle, which is an electrically neutral particle (Lab, nd). A neutrino has a mass close to zero and reacts very weakly towards normal matter (Lab, nd). Gamma radiation is the release of gamma rays (Lab, nd). These rays produce electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of an X-ray. They are able to penetrate paper and aluminum, but are not able to pass through a certain thickness of lead (Lab, nd ). A radioisotope is another term for a radioactive isotope. The half-life is the time it takes for half the number of radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. The element iodine has one hundred and forty isotopes (Lab, nd). The isotope of mass 127 is the most stable. Since there are so many different isotopes, a comparison of...... middle of paper ......thin about 100 days Interesting Facts •I-131 breaks down quickly in the atmosphere •Most exposures occur through consumption of alcohol contaminated with milk •Fruits or vegetables are little exposed because 1-131 is only deposited on the surface. People usually wash or peel their fruits and vegetables. •The risk of thyroid cancer increases with exposure to 1-131. But even those exposed to I-131, only a few develop this cancer. Iodine 131 has many useful applications in daily life; however, it has some negative aspects. I-131 can treat and detect thyroid gland disorders; but if the radioisotope is released into the air and contaminates food or water sources, major health risks can arise. This radioisotope is essential to cure certain medical aspects, because we have no other solution to cure certain situations. However, the negative points remain.