The Mysterious Element Astatine
According to scientists, there are less than 25 grams of astatine on Earth at any given time, making it one of the rarest elements. This fact sheds light on its amazing nature, about which little is known.
Astatine: The Unstable Element
Astatine, named after the Greek word meaning «unstable,» truly lives up to its name. It possesses extreme radioactivity, making its study challenging. The most stable form of astatine, astatine-210, has a half-life of just over eight hours, making it even more mysterious.
Potential in Medicine
Despite its rarity and instability, astatine has intrigued scientists with its potential in medicine. Its radioactive properties can be utilized to create anti-cancer treatments that selectively target cancer cells. However, obtaining astatine is difficult, and much work is still needed to fully understand and utilize it in practice.
