Radium is radioactive and lead is a good radiation shield.
Arsenic is not typically stored in glass due to its toxicity. Glass containers are not resistant to the corrosive nature of arsenic and can lead to contamination. Instead, arsenic is usually stored in specialized containers made of materials like polyethylene or HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
There are many different kinds of metals, and they have different storage requirements. Mercury should be stored in a sealed container because it is a toxic liquid, and should not be allowed to spill accidentally; there could also be a very small amount of evaporation. Some metals such as sodium, lithium, or potassium (in their pure, metallic state) are highly reactive and need to be stored not only in a sealed container, but under oil - not water - because they react violently with water or with air. Many familiar metals such as iron, lead, zinc, tin, copper, gold, aluminum, etc., are quite stable and do not need to be stored in containers, sealed or otherwise - in fact, many containers are made from these metals.
lead
Yes. Radium is a highly radioactive alkali earth metal, and inhalation, injection, ingestion or body exposure to radium can cause chemical burns, radiation burns and can lead to cancer and other disorders. Radium is chemically similar to calcium, and it has the ability to replace calcuim in bones, which is extremely harmful. A link is provided to the Wikipedia article on radium.
Radioactive sources are placed in lead boxes for safety, as it is difficult for some forms of radiation to penetrate lead, such as sources emitting alpha and beta particles. However, gamma radiation would likely pass through, although it would be reduced.
Because lead is poisonous.
Arsenic is not typically stored in glass due to its toxicity. Glass containers are not resistant to the corrosive nature of arsenic and can lead to contamination. Instead, arsenic is usually stored in specialized containers made of materials like polyethylene or HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
Lead is no longer used in food containers because it can leach into food and cause lead poisoning, which can lead to serious health issues, especially in children. The harmful effects of lead on human health have prompted regulations and bans on its use in food containers to protect public health.
There are many different kinds of metals, and they have different storage requirements. Mercury should be stored in a sealed container because it is a toxic liquid, and should not be allowed to spill accidentally; there could also be a very small amount of evaporation. Some metals such as sodium, lithium, or potassium (in their pure, metallic state) are highly reactive and need to be stored not only in a sealed container, but under oil - not water - because they react violently with water or with air. Many familiar metals such as iron, lead, zinc, tin, copper, gold, aluminum, etc., are quite stable and do not need to be stored in containers, sealed or otherwise - in fact, many containers are made from these metals.
Lead.
Many acids react with most metals, often producing soluble substances. Acid + metal --> salt + water. This 'eats' away at the container and causes it to leak. Glass (almost always) and polythene are unaffected by acids. However, before the advent of polythene, concentrated sulfuric acid was stored in lead vessels.
radium
Radium itself continues to decay into radon, bismuth, polonium, lead, or thallium.
Lead.
lead
Radium will react with oxygen to form radium oxide (RaO) or radium peroxide (RaO2), depending on the conditions. These compounds are highly unstable and radioactive. Due to the high reactivity of radium, such reactions should be avoided as they can lead to hazardous situations.
Yes. Radium is a highly radioactive alkali earth metal, and inhalation, injection, ingestion or body exposure to radium can cause chemical burns, radiation burns and can lead to cancer and other disorders. Radium is chemically similar to calcium, and it has the ability to replace calcuim in bones, which is extremely harmful. A link is provided to the Wikipedia article on radium.