Strontium

GENERAL INFORMATION
Strontium is a naturally occurring element found in rocks, soil, dust, coal, and oil. Naturally occurring strontium is not radioactive and is either referred to as stable strontium or strontium. Strontium in the environment exists in four stable isotopes, 84Sr (read as strontium eighty-four), 86Sr, 87Sr, 88Sr. Strontium can also exist as several radioactive isotopes; the most common is 90Sr. 90Sr is formed in nuclear reactors or during the explosion of nuclear weapons.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Exposure to low levels of stable strontium has not been shown to affect adult health, but may harm children. Exposure to high levels of stable strontium can result in impaired bone growth in children. Children may be more susceptible than adults to the harmful effects of radioactive strontium. Breathing or ingesting low levels of radioactive strontium have not been shown to affect health. High levels of radioactive strontium can damage bone marrow and cause anemia and prevent the blood from clotting properly.