
What is 32P phosphorus?
Phosphorus-32 ( 32 P) is a radioactive isotope of phosphorus. The nucleus of phosphorus-32 contains 15 protons and 17 neutrons, one more neutron than the most common isotope of phosphorus, phosphorus-31. Phosphorus-32 only exists in small quantities on Earth as it has a short half-life of 14 days and so decays rapidly.
Is phosphorus harmful to the human body?
However, phosphorus can be harmful in high doses. Too much phosphorus in the body can result in muscle pain, itching / red eyes, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
How many protons and neutrons are in phosphorus 32?
The nucleus of phosphorus-32 contains 15 protons and 17 neutrons, one more neutron than the most common isotope of phosphorus, phosphorus-31. Phosphorus-32 only exists in small quantities on Earth as it has a short half-life of 14 days and so decays rapidly.
Who should not take phosphorus supplements?
To avoid high levels of phosphorus in the blood, nobody should supplement their diets with phosphorus unless recommended by their medical provider (typically to treat low levels of phosphorus in the blood, calcium based kidney stones, or high blood calcium levels); and patients suffering from kidney failure should consult their medical...

What does phosphorus-32 do for the body?
It is used in the laboratory to label DNA and proteins. It has also been used to treat a blood disorder called polycythemia vera and certain types of leukemia, but it is not commonly used anymore. Phosphorus P 32 gives off radiation that damages the DNA in a cell, which can cause the cell to die.
What radiation does phosphorus-32 emits?
beta particlesPhosphorus-32 is a commonly used radionuclide with a half-life of 14.3 days, emitting beta particles with a maximum energy of 1.71 MeV (Million Electron Volts).
Is phosphorus-32 natural?
Phosphorus 32 (P-32) is the phosphorus isotope whose nucleus consists of 15 protons and 17 neutrons. It disintegrates by emitting a β- (1.71 MeV) particle in 32S with a half-life of 14.263 days. It is an artificial radioactive substance obtained by neutron bombardment of stable phosphorus.
Which field is the phosphorus-32 most useful?
Phosphorus-32 is useful in the identification of malignant tumours because cancerous cells tend to accumulate phosphates more than normal cells do. Technetium-99m, used with radiographic scanning devices, is valuable for studying the anatomic structure of organs.
Can radiation be removed?
You can remove radioactive materials that are on the body of others or you can remove radioactive materials if they are on your body (self-decontamination). You can wash your hands, face, and parts of your body that were uncovered at a sink or faucet. Use soap and plenty of water.
Where is phosphorus-32 found?
It is embedded in nucleic acids involved in all metabolic processes of living bodies and replaces stable phosphorus-31. As phosphorus-32 is a beta emitter, its movement within the body can be tracked using tomography.
Why is phosphorus-32 used in agriculture?
Phosphorus-32 is used in plant sciences for tracking a plant's uptake of fertiliser from the roots to the leaves. The phosphorus-32-labelled fertiliser is given to the plant hydroponically or via water in the soil and the usage of the phosphorus can be mapped from the emitted beta radiation.
Are phosphors radioactive?
Radioactive phosphors If you have an antique watch in your possession and it glows in the dark, the chances are that it might have a dial that was coated with radioluminescent paint with phosphor and radium. And yes, it is 100 percent radioactive even now.
What is P 32 in chemistry?
Description. Phosphorus-32 atom is the radioactive isotope of phosphorus with relative atomic mass 31.973907 and half-life of 14.26 days. ChEBI. Phosphorus P-32 is a radioactive isotope of phosphorus with beta particle-emitting radiocytotoxic activity.
How is P 32 administered?
It is put by catheter into the pleura (sac that contains the lungs) or into the peritoneum (sac that contains the liver, stomach, and intestines) to treat the leaking of fluid inside these areas that is caused by cancer.
Is s35 radioactive?
Sulfur-35 (S-35 or 35S), the most stable radioactive isotope of sulfur, used in biochemical research to radioactively label proteins.
Who discovered phosphorus-32?
Solid phosphorus has a tetratomic molecule (P4) with molecular weight 123.8952 atomic mass units (amu). Phosphorus was discovered c. 1674 by Hennig Brand of Hamburg, an alchemist, who prepared it from urine.
What is phosphorus 32?
Phosphorus-32 is used in plant sciences for tracking a plant's uptake of fertiliser from the roots to the leaves. The phosphorus-32-labelled fertiliser is given to the plant hydroponically or via water in the soil and the usage of the phosphorus can be mapped from the emitted beta radiation. The information gathered by mapping the fertiliser uptake show how the plant takes up and uses the phosphorus from fertiliser.
How does phosphorus 32 work?
Phosphorus-32 finds use for analysing metabolic pathways in pulse chase experiments where a culture of cells is treated for a short time with a phosphorus-32-containing substrate. The sequence of chemical changes which happen to the substrate can then be traced by detecting which molecules contain the phosphorus-32 at multiple time points following the initial treatment.
How long does phosphorus have to decay?
Phosphorus has a short half-life of 14.268 days and decays into sulfur-32 by beta decay as shown in this nuclear equation:
How many neutrons are in phosphorus 32?
Phosphorus-32 ( 32 P) is a radioactive isotope of phosphorus. The nucleus of phosphorus-32 contains 15 protons and 17 neutrons, one more neutron than the most common isotope of phosphorus, phosphorus-31. Phosphorus-32 only exists in small quantities on Earth as it has a short half-life of 14 days and so decays rapidly.
Where is phosphorus found?
Phosphorus is found in many organic molecules and so phosphorus-32 has many applications in medicine, biochemistry, and molecular biology where it can be used to trace phosphorylated molecules (for example, in elucidating metabolic pathways) and radioactively label DNA .
Is phosphorus 32 harmful?
The high energy of emitted beta particles and the low half-life of phosphorus-32 make it potentially harmful; Its molar activity is 338 TBq/mmol (9131 Ci/mmol). Typical safety precautions when working with phosphorus-32 include wearing a personal dosimeter to monitor exposure and an acrylic or perspex radiation shield to protect the body. Dense shielding, such as lead, is less effective due to the high-energy bremsstrahlung produced by the interaction of the beta particle and the shielding. Because the beta radiation from phosphorus-32 is blocked by around 1 m of air it is also advisable to wear dosimeters on the parts of the body, for example the fingers, which come into close contact with the phosphorus-32-containing sample.
Is phosphorus 32 a good treatment for cancer?
In this situation, it is the long-term toxic effects of beta radiation from phosphorus-32 accumulating in the cancerous cells which has the therapeutic effect. Phosphorus-32 is widely used for cancer detection and treatment, especially in eyes and skin cancer.
How much phosphorus should I take a day?
According to Food Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine, the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of phosphorus from all sources varies by age and pregnancy status, as follows: children zero to six months: 100 milligrams per day (mg/day) children seven to 12 months: 275 mg/day.
What are the causes of low phosphorus levels?
people involved in major trauma, such as a severe burn (75 percent) people with sepsis (up to 80 percent) Low phosphorus can also affect people with certain diseases or medical conditions, including Cushing's disease, hypothyroidism, parathyroid disease, vitamin D deficiency, and malnutrition.
Why do we take phosphate supplements?
A phosphate supplement is typically used to prevent a phosphorus deficiency, a condition considered rare in the United States outside of certain high-risk groups. According to a study from Harvard Medical School, phosphorus deficiency is most commonly seen in:
How does phosphorus help build bone?
Phosphorus works with calcium to help build healthy bone and teeth. These minerals are converted in the body into calcium phosphate salts that stiffen and strengthen bones. Phosphorus also regulates how much calcium is in the body and how much is excreted in urine.
How much phosphate is in a capsule?
Doses tend to range from 50 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg.
What is the role of phosphorus in the body?
These are minerals that the body needs to function normally. Although the main function of phosphorus is to build and maintain bones and teeth, it also plays a major role in the formation of DNA and RNA (the genetic building blocks of the body).
Why is phosphorus important for the body?
Doing so helps ensure that cells and tissues are properly maintained, repaired, and replaced as they age. Phosphorus also plays a key role in metabolism (the conversion of calories and oxygen to energy), muscle contraction, heart rhythm, and the transmission of nerve signals.
Which two diseases are associated with phosphorus?
This section focuses on two diseases in which phosphorus might play a role: chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
How much phosphorus is in the human body?
In humans, phosphorus makes up about 1 to 1.4% of fat-free mass. Of this amount, 85% is in bones and teeth, and the other 15% is distributed throughout the blood and soft tissues [ 1 ]. Many different types of foods contain phosphorus, mainly in the form of phosphates and phosphate esters [ 1 ].
What are phosphorus additives?
Phosphate additives (e.g., phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, and sodium polyphosphate) are present in many foods, especially processed food products. These additives are used for such purposes as preserving moisture or color and enhancing and stabilizing frozen foods [ 18 ]. Foods containing these additives have an average of 67 mg more phosphorus per serving than similar foods not containing the additives, and these additives contribute to overall phosphorus intakes in the United States [ 18, 19 ].
How are calcium and phosphorus related?
Phosphorus and calcium are interrelated because hormones, such as vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH), regulate the metabolism of both minerals. In addition, phosphorus and calcium make up hydroxyapatite, the main structural component in bones and tooth enamel [ 3 ]. The combination of high phosphorus intakes with low calcium intakes increases serum PTH levels, but evidence is mixed on whether the increased hormone levels decrease bone mineral density [ 2, 4-6 ].
How much phosphorus is bioavailable?
The bioavailability of phosphate salts is approximately 70% [ 15, 24 ]. The bioavailability of other forms of phosphorus in supplements has not been determined in humans.
What is the normal phosphate level in the blood?
In adults, normal phosphate concentration in serum or plasma is 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL (0.81 to 1.45 mmol/L) [ 10 ].
What is phosphorus in the body?
Phosphorus, an essential mineral, is naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. Phosphorus is a component of bones, teeth, DNA, and RNA [ 1 ]. In the form of phospholipids, phosphorus is also a component of cell membrane structure and of the body’s key energy source, ATP. Many proteins and sugars in the body are phosphorylated. In addition, phosphorus plays key roles in regulation of gene transcription, activation of enzymes, maintenance of normal pH in extracellular fluid, and intracellular energy storage. In humans, phosphorus makes up about 1 to 1.4% of fat-free mass. Of this amount, 85% is in bones and teeth, and the other 15% is distributed throughout the blood and soft tissues [ 1 ].
Why is phosphorus important?
Everybody needs an appropriate level of phosphorus in their body to function at the optimal level. This mineral aids in several body processes and functions; it assists kidneys in filtering waste, it is vital in the formation of DNA to store new information, it balances your body's pH level, it helps the heart and other muscles contract, it assists in the storage and use of energy, and it plays a role in transmitting nerve signals throughout the body.
Where is phosphorus found in the body?
Phosphorus is a natural mineral found in milk, grains, and foods rich in protein. Approximately 85% of the phosphorus in the human body exists in bones and teeth, contributing the strength of these structures. The remaining 15% exists in tissues and cells throughout the body.
Is a B bad for you?
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Is it bad to eat something in a blue moon?
While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet . Category 'F'. F. Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health.
Is phosphorus bad for you?
However, phosphorus can be harmful in high doses. Too much phosphorus in the body can result in muscle pain , itching / red eyes, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. To avoid high levels of phosphorus in the blood, nobody should supplement their diets with phosphorus unless recommended by their medical provider (typically to treat low levels of phosphorus in the blood, calcium based kidney stones, or high blood calcium levels); and patients suffering from kidney failure should consult their medical providers about limiting their intake of phosphorus.
What happens when phosphorus levels rise in water?
In turn, oxygen levels drop, wiping out fish and other important parts of the underwater ecosystem.
How does phosphorus affect waterways?
This flushes the phosphates into creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes. When phosphorus levels rise in bodies of water, aquatic plants such as algae and floating weeds can grow out of control, warns the University of California Cooperative Extension. In turn, oxygen levels drop, wiping out fish and other important parts of the underwater ecosystem.
What is phosphorus fertilizer?
Phosphates are an inorganic rock form of the mineral used as a component in most chemical fertilizers. Both your garden and the environment around you can suffer with excessive use of these fertilizers.
Why is it important to limit the use of organic phosphorous sources?
It is important to limit the use of organic phosphorous sources because even homemade compost can overwhelm the soil with this nutrient. References. University of California at Davis Department of Environmental Toxicology: Phosphates. Texas Cooperative Extension: Phosphates - Too Much and Plants May Suffer.
Does phosphorus slow down plant growth?
Studies show that high levels of phosphorus in the soil slows the growth of plants by blocking the absorption of both iron and zinc, according to the Texas Cooperative Extension's website. It is best to start with a light fertilizer if you notice signs of a deficiency, such as burnt leaf tips and foliage developing a reddish tint.
Does phosphorus affect soil fertility?
Excessive phosphate use backfires when you are aiming for soil fertility. While many soils are deficient in accessible forms of this nutrient, there is no way to reliable tell that you need fertilization without a soil test. Studies show that high levels of phosphorus in the soil slows the growth of plants by blocking the absorption of both iron and zinc, according to the Texas Cooperative Extension's website. It is best to start with a light fertilizer if you notice signs of a deficiency, such as burnt leaf tips and foliage developing a reddish tint.

Physical Characteristics
- Half-life:14.3 days
- Emissions: Beta particles with a maximum energy of 1.71 MeV and an average energy of 0.7 MeV.
- Maximum Range: 620 cm in air; 0.8 cm in tissue; 0.6 cm in plexiglas
- Fraction transmitted through the dead layer of the skin:0.95
Dose Rate and Shielding
- Dose rate to the skin at 10 cm:4070 mrad/hour/mCi (for an unshielded point source)
- Dose rate to epidermal basal cells from skin contamination of 1 mCi/cm2:9200 mrad/hour
- Shielding: 3/8” plexiglas/lucite will shield all P-32 betas. For high activity sources exceeding a few millicuries, it may be desirable to add lead shielding outside the plexiglas shielding to shie...
- Dose rate to the skin at 10 cm:4070 mrad/hour/mCi (for an unshielded point source)
- Dose rate to epidermal basal cells from skin contamination of 1 mCi/cm2:9200 mrad/hour
- Shielding: 3/8” plexiglas/lucite will shield all P-32 betas. For high activity sources exceeding a few millicuries, it may be desirable to add lead shielding outside the plexiglas shielding to shie...
- Annual Limit on Intake (ALI): 600 microcuries via ingestion. The intake of one ALI will produce a dose of 5 rem.
Detection
- A G-M detector will readily detect low-level P-32 contamination, although liquid scintillation counting is also an acceptable method for detecting removable P-32 contamination.
Precautions
- High localized doses are possible while handling millicurie amounts of P-32 and as a result of skin contamination. Reduce doses by wearing safety glasses (for shielding the eyes), using remote handling tools such as tongs, using shielding extensively to shield storage and experimental containers and work areas, and performing thorough and frequent ...
Waste Disposal
- Solid Wastes:through the Onsite Decay-in-Storage Program
- Liquid Scintillation Wastes: through the Off-Site Radioactive Waste Disposal Program
- Liquid Wastes:through the Sewer Disposal Program. The laboratory disposal limit for P-32 is 0.3 mCi per month.