Iodine-131 is a naturally occurring radioisotope and its radioactivity has useful purposes in everyday applications. For example, iodine 131 can diagnose and treat thyroid cancer. Iodine 131 can have many positive uses, however, if ingested, it can cause serious harm to the body. Alpha decay occurs when the nucleus of an unstable atom releases two protons and two neutrons (commonly referred to as a helium atom), which are called alpha particles (Lab, n.d.). Since both the mass and the atomic number change, the element also changes (Lab, n.d.). Alpha particles cannot pass through paper (Lab, n.d.), however, if consumed, they can cause damage to internal organs. 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 (Lab, n.d.). 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, n.d.). A neutrino has a mass close to zero and reacts very weakly towards normal matter (Lab, n.d.). Gamma radiation is the release of gamma rays (Lab, n.d.). These rays produce electromagnetic radiation of a shorter wavelength than that of X-rays. They are able to penetrate paper and aluminum but cannot pass through a certain thickness of lead (Lab, n.d.). A radioisotope is another term for a radioactive isotope. 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, n.d.). The isotope with mass 127 is the most stable. Since there are so many different isotopes, a comparison of... middle of paper......thin 100 days or so Interesting Facts •I-131 breaks down rapidly in the atmosphere •Most exposure occurs drinking contaminated milk •Little exposure comes from fruits and vegetables because 1-131 settles only on the surface. People usually wash or peel fruits and vegetables. •The risk of thyroid cancer increases with exposure to 1-131. But even among those exposed to I-131, only a few develop this cancer. Iodine-131 has many useful applications in everyday life; however, there are some downsides involved. I-131 can treat thyroid disorders and detect them; but, if the radioisotope is released into the air, contaminates food or water sources, serious health risks can arise. This radioisotope is essential to cure specific medical aspects, since we do not have another solution to cure certain situations. However, the negative points remain.