DrFeb
Health Guide

Polonium

Polonium is a chemical element with the symbol Po and atomic number 84. It is a rare, highly radioactive and toxic metal. Unlike essential minerals like iron or calcium, Polonium serves no biological function in the human body. It is notorious for its use in assassination (e.g., Alexander Litvinenko) and is strictly regulated. It is never found in natural food sources.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Polonium
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Lethal Dose Comparison (Estimated)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Lethal Dose (mg)
Substance →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Do NOT Need It

  • No Physiological Role: Polonium has absolutely no known benefit to human health. It is not a vitamin, mineral, or nutrient.
  • Extreme Toxicity: It is one of the most dangerous substances known to man. It undergoes radioactive decay, releasing alpha particles that destroy living tissue.
  • Industrial Use Only: Its primary legitimate uses are in anti-static brushes for industrial equipment and as a heat source in space satellites (RTGs).

The Danger of Radiation

When Polonium-210 decays, it releases alpha radiation. If inhaled or ingested, this radiation directly damages DNA and cells, leading to acute radiation syndrome and organ failure.

Natural Food Sources

There are no natural food sources of Polonium that are relevant to diet.

Trace amounts (nanograms) exist in the environment due to natural decay of uranium, but these are negligible and pose no dietary concern. It does not accumulate in fruits or vegetables.

Supplementation

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD POLONIUM BE TAKEN AS A SUPPLEMENT.

It is a poison, not a wellness product. If you see a product claiming to contain Polonium for health benefits, it is a scam or a lethal mistake.

Top Food Sources

None
Not found in food

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Polonium is a radioactive heavy metal. It has no nutritional value and is toxic to humans.
It is listed here to warn consumers. Fraudulent products sometimes mislabel dangerous substances. Polonium is never a safe supplement.
No. While trace amounts exist in the soil, fruits and vegetables do not contain meaningful or dangerous levels of Polonium.
While handling a solid source briefly might not cause immediate harm, it is dangerous if the material is dusty or flaking. Ingesting even a speck is fatal.

Safety & Side Effects

Immediate Danger

Polonium is extremely lethal. The lethal dose for humans is estimated to be around 1 microgram (one-millionth of a gram).

Side Effects of Exposure

  • Acute Radiation Sickness: Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, organ failure.
  • Cancer: Long-term exposure significantly increases the risk of liver, lung, and bone cancer.

Who Should Avoid It?

Everyone. There is no safe level of ingestion.

Scientific References

  • [1]CDC: Facts About Polonium
  • [2]WHO: Chemical Hazards in Drinking Water
  • [3]US Department of Energy: Polonium