Sodium-24 (from http://nsb.wikidot.com/c-9-2-5-6)
23
11𝑁𝑎
24
11𝑁𝑎
+ 10𝑛 →
→
24
12𝑀𝑔
24
11𝑁𝑎
+𝛾
+ −10𝑒 + 2𝛾
Sodium-24 is a widely used radioisotope in industry for the detection of leaks in
pipes. It is created through neutron bombardment of Sodium-23.
Advantages of using Sodium-24
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Sodium and magnesium are both non-toxic to humans and animals.
Magnesium-24 is a stable isotope so emits no radiation.
Although sodium-24 may form organic compounds when absorbed into the
blood stream, this will not unduly affect the health of humans or animals
absorbing it due to a variety of other factors such as its short half-life and low
intensity emission of gamma radiation.
Sodium-24 is a beta and low intensity gamma emitter, so no radiation will be
detected if the pipe has not sprung a leak as the radiation emitted will not be
able to penetrate the pipe's thick walls.
Sodium-24, being a beta emitter, may potentially be harmful to humans and
animals if ingested or directly injected into the bloodstream. However, having
a short half-life of roughly 15 hours, Sodium-24 does not pose a significant
threat to humans or animals.
Disadvantages of using Sodium-24
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Sodium-24 is a non-naturally occurring radioisotope, so it relies on
commercial production in nuclear reactors and poses the same threats that
nuclear reactors have. i.e. nuclear fallout and disasters.
Having a short half-life prevents the point of use from being very far from the
source of production of the isotope.
Radioisotopes have long term effects and implications to workers handling
them. Without proper care in transportation and handling, Sodium-24 can
cause biological damage, which may result in tissue damage or cancer.
In conclusion:
Sodium-24 is a very effective means of detecting leaks in industry. Although
suffering from some minor disadvantages, it is widely used in industry because of its
ability to efficiently detect of leaks.
More info about radioisotopes here: http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf56.html