Isotopes are variants of a chemical element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. For example, carbon has three naturally occurring isotopes: carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14.¹ Radioactive isotopes, or radioisotopes, emit radiation during decay, making them useful in various scientific and industrial applications. The emitted radiation, in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays, is harnessed in various fields:²  

• Medicine: Radioisotope therapy targets cancerous cells with precision, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This method is particularly effective in treating cancers like thyroid cancer, using isotopes such as Iodine-131.^1,2 Radioisotopes are also used in diagnostic imaging and the sterilization of healthcare products, eliminating harmful pathogens and toxins without heat, which can degrade medical products. 
• Industrial Applications: Radioisotopes are used in non-destructive testing, quality control, and material analysis. They help detect flaws in structures, measure the thickness of materials, and analyze the composition of substances, improving safety and efficiency in various industries. For example, radioisotopes such as Cobalt-60 and Iridium-192 are commonly used in industrial radiography to inspect welding seams and structural components.^1,2 
• Nuclear Energy: Radioisotopes play a key role in nuclear reactors, power generation, and radioactive waste management. They are essential for sustaining nuclear reactions, producing energy, and managing the by-products of nuclear processes safely. For example, Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239 are critical fuel sources in nuclear reactors, while radioisotopes like Cesium-137 are used in the management and storage of nuclear waste.^1,2 
• Environmental Science: Radioisotopes help track the movement of pollutants in the environment and study climate change. They are extensively used to trace pollution sources and study ecological processes. For example, radioisotopes like Tritium and Carbon-14 are employed to trace the origin and movement of water bodies, which is crucial for managing water resources and understanding environmental impacts.¹ They also help track the paths of nutrients and pollutants through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, aiding in the study of food chains. 

From medical treatments to environmental studies, radioisotopes provide invaluable insights and tools for researchers and professionals. However, occupational exposure to radiation can pose health risks, making it essential to monitor and manage. Dosimeter badges, or radiation monitoring badges, play a crucial role in this context by measuring the amount of radiation an individual is exposed to over time. Dosimetry badges help ensure that exposure remains within safe limits, aiding in protecting workers from harmful effects of radiation and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. By wearing a dosimeter badge, like the Instadose®VUE, individuals working with radioisotopes can maintain a safe working environment while leveraging the benefits of radioactive isotopes in their respective fields. 

References  

1. Masterson, R. (2017). Nuclear Engineering Fundamentals. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis 
2. International Atomic Energy Agency. (9 May 2023). What are isotopes? Retrieved from https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-are-isotopes