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Polonium was discovered in 1898, in samples of uranium-bearing
pitchblende. But the sample was far more radioactive than the uranium should
make it. It was suspected that at least one additional radioactive substance was
in the mixture. Several tons of the pitchblende was refined and, an ounce at a
time, two new elements that were highly radioactive were isolated:
Polonium is an extremely rare, naturally radioactive element. Polonium-210
is the only isotope produced commercially. It is shown here as a thin film on
a stainless steel disc, the form in which it is sold as an alpha-particle
source for scientific use.
Polonium is used as a neutron source in nuclear reactors and as an alpha-particle
generator. Like other radioactive elements, polonium is a hazardous toxic agent
and should be handled with proper protective equipment.
