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Article: Reports from G. Steinhauser et al highlight recent research in environmental research.
- Article from:
- Ecology, Environment & Conservation
- Article date:
- November 13, 2009
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"Many pyrotechnic devices contain barium nitrate which is used as an oxidizer and colouring agent primarily for green-coloured fireworks. Similarly, strontium nitrate is used for red-coloured pyrotechnic effects," investigators in Vienna, Austria report.
"Due to their chemical similarities to radium, barium and strontium ores can accumulate radium, causing a remarkable activity in these minerals. Radium in such contaminated raw materials can be processed together with the barium or strontium, unless extensive purification of the ores was undertaken. For example, the utilization of 'radiobarite' for the production of pyrotechnic ingredients can therefore cause ...