Uses of Rubidium

• Industrially, rubidium is mostly used in making products such as photocells (converting light energy to electric energy), vapor reference cells, and lasers.
• It makes a special kind of glass that removes gases from vacuum tubes. Rubidium bonds with various gases. This property is critical in eliminating other gases that may have been produced during the manufacturing stage.
• It is used as an electrolytic additive in sodium ion batteries, used as a dietary supplement for illnesses such as depression. It is also ideal in promoting cardiovascular wellness. Although cesium would have been the preferred option, rubidium was used in ion engines.
•  Rubidium-strontium dating is a method utilized by scientists in determining the age of rocks and meteorites. This is done by determining the amount of Rb 87 and strontium isotopes that is still in the material.
• Rubidium is one of the components of an atomic clock. This type of device would measure time accurately and frequently.
• Rubidium is excellent as part of a fireworks display where the explosion's color is a purplish-red.

Human/Environmental Impact

• There are no environments where rubidium is seen as a risk. The demand each year is very small and can be easily met. It has a slight slimulatory impact on metabolism. Plants will absorb this much faster than they would potassium.

Overview of Rubidium

• Although it is not a necessary part of living organisms, rubidium ions are treated just like potassium ions in plant and animal cells. When dissolved with water, it has a +1 oxidation state, as well as in all biological systems.
• The human body treats it just as it would potassium. Rubidium in a body's intracellular fluids is not particularly toxic. Rubidium is found in many foods such as "garden tomato, sweet orange, black walnut, and coconut."

Levels of Exposure

• Excess radiation exposure can occur due to user error when being used with systems that produce rubidium Rb 82 injection in PET heart perfusion imaging scans.

• The FDA has set safety measures and urges facilities to follow them to ensure that patients are not at risk. Safety labeling changes have been made with box warnings implemented for rubidium 82 generators. 

• Healthcare professionals and customers are expected to report any anomalies and quality problems in the system.

Exposure

• Rubidium is present in other minerals such as pollucite and carnallite. The rubidium produced is primarily used in research as there is no incentive for commercial use.
• When exposed to water, it becomes moderately toxic if ingested. If this substance ignites, it causes thermal burns. Additionally, when in contact with skin moisture, rubidium forms rubidium hydroxide which causes chemical burns to skin and eyes.
• Other additional signs and symptoms include "failure to gain weight, ataxia, hyper irritation, skin ulcers, and extreme nervousness." Those with preexisting heart conditions and potassium imbalance are also aggravated by exposure to rubidium.
• This research proves that humans may be exposed to rubidium through water, food, and medical scans. This proves that it cannot be transmitted by air.