Is indium radioactive?

Indium is not considered a radioactive element. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the group of poor metals in the periodic table of the elements. Indium is a non-toxic element and is not classified as a hazardous substance.

However, some isotopes of indium, such as indium-111, are used in medical imaging and have a radioactive half-life. Indium-111 is a gamma-emitting radioisotope used in nuclear medicine to image various organs and tissues in the body, such as the liver, spleen and bone marrow. It is administered to the patient in a small amount and then detected with a gamma camera.

It is important to know that although indium-111 is radioactive, the amount used in medical imaging is usually very small and the radiation exposure is minimal. The use of radioactive isotopes in medical imaging is strictly regulated and monitored to ensure patient safety.