how does tabacco contain radioactive polonium? Where does it come from? Does the plant make it radioactive, does it collect it? Do other plants do this too?

Question

how does tabacco contain radioactive polonium? Where does it come from? Does the plant make it radioactive, does it collect it? Do other plants do this too?

In: 204

Answer 1

Tobacco plants are very good at absorbing radiation, notably in the form of Radon/Radium. Radium (which decays into Radon gas) is present in fertilizers and can further decay into polonium-210 which is particularly dangerous. While the amount of Radon is not high enough the get tobacco banned it is believed to have a synergistic effect with the other carcinogenic effects of smoking boosting the likelihood of lung cancer forming.