Environmental Health Center

EnvironMinute Health Scripts

Baby teeth. We all had them. Do you know where yours are today? How about your children's baby teeth? Scientists want them! Have your pencil and paper ready for today's EnvironMinute. [:10]

If you have some baby teeth lying around -- or expect to have some in coming months -- a group of researchers wants them. they may help in radioactivity research. Nuclear power plants and bomb facilities give off small amounts of radioactive Strontium-90. Chemically, it's a lot like calcium. So much like calcium that your body deposits it in teeth and bones. By measuring radioactivity in thousands of baby teeth, the researchers hope to determine which U.S. communities have been exposed to higher-than-normal levels of radiation in recent years. To donate your teeth, call toll-free (800) 582-3716. [:37]

The EnvironMinute is produced in cooperation with the National Safety Council and made possible by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation. [:10]

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