Re: 4/5/2011

Stable strontium is a naturally and commonly occurring element. Rocks, soil, dust, coal, oil, surface and underground water, air, plants, and animals all contain varying amounts of strontium. Strontium compounds, such as strontium carbonate, are used in making ceramics and glass products, pyrotechnics, paint pigments, fluorescent lights, medicines, and other products. Radioactive strontium is found throughout the environment at low levels as a result of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing in the past.

Stable strontium has no harmful effects in humans at the levels typically found in the environment. Problems with bone growth and body weight may occur in children eating or drinking unusually high levels of strontium, especially if their diet is low in calcium and protein. Ordinary strontium salts are not harmful when inhaled or placed on the skin.