Isotopes of phosphorus
Although phosphorus (P) has 23 isotopes from 24P to 46P, only one of these isotopes is stable 31P; as such, it is considered a monoisotopic element. The longest-lived radioactive isotopes are 33P with a half-life of 25.34 days and 32P with a half-life of 14.263 days. All other have half-lives under 2.5 minutes, most under a second. The least stable is 25P with a half-life shorter than 30 nanoseconds—the half-life of 24P is unknown.
Relative atomic mass: 30.973762(2)
Radioactive isotopes of phosphorus include:
32P, a beta-emitter (1.71 MeV) with a half-life of 14.3 days, is used routinely in life-science laboratories, primarily to produce radiolabeled DNA and RNA probe, e.g. for use in Northern blots or Southern blots. Because the high-energy beta particles produced penetrate skin and corneas, and because any 32P ingested, inhaled, or absorbed is readily incorporated into bone and nucleic acids, OSHA requires that a lab coat, disposable gloves, and safety glasses or goggles be worn when working with 32P, and that working directly over an open container be avoided in order to protect the eyes. Monitoring personal, clothing, and surface contamination is also required. In addition, due to the high energy of the beta particles, shielding this radiation with the normally used dense materials (e.g. lead), gives rise to secondary emission of X-rays via a process known as bremsstrahlung, meaning braking radiation. Therefore shielding must be accomplished with low-density materials, e.g. Plexiglas, Lucite, plastic, wood, or water.
