Why Do Chemists Call Helium, Curium, and Barium by These Names?

Chemists use specific names and symbols for elements based on their properties and uses. Among these, helium, curium, and barium play important roles in various medical and scientific applications. Here's a closer look at each element and how they are utilized.

Helium (He)

Helium (He) - The Lightest Noble Gas

Helium, with the atomic number 2, is the second lightest element on the periodic table and the first in the noble gas series. It has several unique characteristics that make it invaluable in medical imaging and respiratory therapies.

MRI Scans and Medical Imaging

In medical imaging, particularly in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), helium plays a crucial role. MRI utilizes a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures. Helium is used as a coolant in MRI machines, as it can maintain an extremely low temperature. This ensures that the superconducting materials in the machine remain efficient, allowing for clear and high-quality images.

Respiratory Therapies

In respiratory therapies, helium is used to relieve symptoms in conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Helium-wrapped oxygen (Heliox) is often used because it decreases airway resistance, making breathing easier for patients. This combination of helium and oxygen can be particularly effective for individuals with breathing difficulties.

Curium (Cm)

Curium - A Radiogenic Element with Medical Applications

Curium (Cm), a synthetic element with the atomic number 96, is a rare radioactive metal. Despite its dangerous nature, it has some surprising and valuable applications in medical treatments.

Targeted Alpha-Particle Therapy (TAT)

Curium's isotopes, notably Curium-242, have applications in targeted alpha-particle therapy (TAT) for cancer treatment. This therapy targets and destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The alpha particles emitted by curium are highly effective in killing cancer cells but are stops quickly in the body, reducing the risk of radiation exposure to other parts of the body.

Note: The use of Curium in medical applications is highly specialized and not commercially widespread. Commercial applications of curium-producing batteries for pacemakers, which were mentioned, have ceased due to the difficulty of handling such hazardous materials safely.

Barium (Ba)

Barium - A Useful Element in Radiological Imaging

Barium (Ba), with the atomic number 56, is a metallic element with several medical applications, primarily used in radiological imaging and diagnostic procedures.

Diagnostic Imaging

Barium compounds, especially barium sulfate, are used extensively in medical imaging. Barium sulfate is used as an intestinal contrast agent. When consumed or introduced into the gastrointestinal tract, it helps in visualizing the digestive system. This allows doctors to identify conditions such as blockages, tumors, or other abnormalities in the digestive tract. X-ray images and CT scans are often used in conjunction with barium sulfate to provide detailed images of the GI tract.

Note: Barium is generally safe when used in diagnostic imaging, but it is not used in curative or therapeutic applications due to its potentially toxic effects.

Conclusion

While the names helium, curium, and barium may seem confusing or inconsistent, they are based on the elements' specific properties and medical uses. Helium is essential for medical imaging and respiratory therapies, curium has unique applications in targeted cancer therapies, and barium compounds are crucial for diagnostic radiological imaging. Understanding these applications can help in appreciating the diverse roles that these elements play in modern medicine and scientific research.

References

1. Targeted Alpha-Particle Therapy (TAT): Current Applications and Future Prospects

2. Asthma - Symptoms Causes

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Symptoms Causes