What happens to thorium when it enters the environment?
• Thorium is a natural part of the environment. • Thorium changes extremely slowly into other radioactive substances. • It takes about 14 billion years for half of the thorium-232 to change into new forms. • As rocks are broken up by wind and water, the thorium and all other components of the rocks become part of the soil. • Thorium in soil can be washed into rivers and lakes. • Windblown dust and volcanic eruptions are natural sources of thorium in the air. • Burning coal may release small amounts of thorium into the air. • Mining thorium or making products that contain it may also release thorium into the environment.
