Los elementos: el radio

Radium, discovered by Marie Curie, is a highly radioactive element derived from uranium decay. Initially celebrated for its supposed healing properties, radium was used in various products. However, its intense radioactivity poses severe health risks, including cancer. Despite these dangers, radium remains valuable in medicine for treating cancer, as it can target cancer cells more effectively than healthy ones.

What is radium and how was it discovered?

What are the healing properties attributed to radium in the early 20th century?

What are the dangers associated with radium exposure?

How does radium affect the human body when ingested?

In what ways is radium still used in medicine despite its dangers?