Radioactive tracers

Radioactive tracers are substances that contain a small amount of radioactive material, which can be tracked in the body or the environment. They are used in medical imaging to diagnose diseases, like cancer, by allowing doctors to see how organs and tissues are functioning. For example, a radioactive tracer might be injected into a patient, highlighting certain areas in a scan. In environmental science, they help researchers track the movement of water or contaminants. Because the amount of radiation is very low, radioactive tracers are considered safe for most uses.