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Re: [Phys-l] Isotope chemistry and physics



D2O is radiologically and chemically (depending on one's definition of "chemically") rather harmless. However, in large quantities, it definitely seems to screw with metabolism and mitosis (probably because of the difficulties of getting diffusion to act the "correct" way on the heavier molecules). After all, when one's process is critically dependent on some limiting rate, and the limiting rate is dependent on proper diffusion, then the process can be retarded or stopped altogether.
Wikipedia's entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D2O#Effect_on_biological_systems) gives some good arguments that the hydrogen bond strength is slightly higher in D2O than in regular water, and this may cause most of the toxicities associated with heavy water injestion.
Interestingly (I'm not sure how much it has to do with reality), a possible effect of high D2O concentrations is that it may collect in the inner ear, and thus affect one's sense of balance.

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________________________________
From: John SOHL <JSOHL@weber.edu>
To: Forum for Physics Educators <phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 11:34:12 AM
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Isotope chemistry and physics

In BC's original reply there was a link below the D2O statement (see Bill's note below):
http://www.isb.vt.edu/brarg/brasym96/kushner96.htm

In that paper there is the statement:
**

Since this conference is largely concerned with the risks of releasing different substances into the environment, it should be stated at the beginning that D2O itself poses little such risk--so long as it has not been used in nuclear reactors. As will be seen below, D2O itself is not toxic to animals, except under exceptional and very improbable circumstances.
**

This matches my understanding and I'm assuming Bill Nettles' understanding. The paper does go on to note that in nuclear reactors the D changes to T which is radioactive and is thus a clear risk.

As far as I know, the biggest risk in drinking D2O is to your pocketbook.

All the best,

John


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John E. Sohl, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
Weber State University
2508 University Circle
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"Bill Nettles" <bnettles@uu.edu> 3/16/2009 9:47 AM >>>
D20 is poisonous? I'm interested in why you say this.

Bill

Bernard Cleyet <bernardcleyet@redshift.com> 3/15/2009 3:49 pm >>>
On a much grosser scale is the concentration of, for a notorious
example, mercury up the food chain. Another isotopic example:
Because the difference is so great, D2O is poisonous!!! [snip]


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_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l