Could strontium citrate contain strontium-90?

Could strontium citrate contain strontium-90?

While strontium citrate, the popular over-the-counter supplement is not
supposed to contain any of the dangerously radioactive strontium-90 isotope,
it does beg the question as to what testing is done by the manufacturer of
strontium citrate, as well as strontium renalate, to verify that no
detectable strontium-90 is present.

The raw material for pharmaceutical use of strontium is the mineral,
stronianite (strontium carbonate), which is mined mainly in China. Since
this mineral is mined subsurface, and was formed long before the development
of nuclear weapons, its believed by most chemists to be free of significant
strontium-90. And, we do know that most strontium-90 is of concern to milk
and water, and both are tested for its presence.

However, China did conduct numerous nuclear bomb tests so it's not
completely clear on how much, if any, strontium-90 percolated through the
ground-water and into the stronianite mines in China. We can only hope that
the manufacturers of strontium preparations are testing their raw material
for the presence of strontium-90.

Wolfy, PhD Chemistry (retired)

--
"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it". -- George
Santayana

Re: Could strontium citrate contain strontium-90?



The Werewolf's Lair wrote:
> While strontium citrate, the popular over-the-counter supplement is not
> supposed to contain any of the dangerously radioactive strontium-90 isotope,
> it does beg the question as to what testing is done by the manufacturer of
> strontium citrate, as well as strontium renalate, to verify that no
> detectable strontium-90 is present.
>
> The raw material for pharmaceutical use of strontium is the mineral,
> stronianite (strontium carbonate), which is mined mainly in China. Since
> this mineral is mined subsurface, and was formed long before the development
> of nuclear weapons, its believed by most chemists to be free of significant
> strontium-90. And, we do know that most strontium-90 is of concern to milk
> and water, and both are tested for its presence.
>
> However, China did conduct numerous nuclear bomb tests so it's not
> completely clear on how much, if any, strontium-90 percolated through the
> ground-water and into the stronianite mines in China. We can only hope that
> the manufacturers of strontium preparations are testing their raw material
> for the presence of strontium-90.
>
> Wolfy, PhD Chemistry (retired)
>
> --
> "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it". -- George

Sometime I hope to get around to purchasing a geiger counter.
As recycled metal is a pretty clear radioactivity risk.
The morons are likely to recycle any bright and shiny metal.

I suspect a lot of calcium supplements and milk are or have been
bigger
risks.

Re: Could strontium citrate contain strontium-90?

"trigonometry1972@gmail,com |" wrote:
>
> Sometime I hope to get around to purchasing a geiger counter.
> As recycled metal is a pretty clear radioactivity risk.
> The morons are likely to recycle any bright and shiny metal.

I'd recommend a Ludlum model 3. That's what I have.
It registers 2X background radiation from Morton
Lite Salt, at the surface of the unopened container.
My other G-M detector doesn't indicate a thing
even if you bury the detector tube in pure
potassium chloride.

My vintage Fiesta salt and pepper shakers register
as 10X background radiation at a distance of 3 feet.
I keep those about 10 feet away from where I work
and sleep.

I have the 44-9 pancake detector. That's the good
one. Very sensitive, and the combination (model 3
and 44-9) is frequently available on eBay these days.
I suspect Homeland Security is buying upgrades, and
that is letting loose these units through various
channels. Expect to pay a little over $300 for that
setup.