Radium is a rare and highly radioactive metal that can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. It emits alpha, beta, and gamma rays that can ionize atoms in living tissue, causing damage to cells and DNA. Radium was once used in a variety of industrial and medical applications, including in luminous paints, cancer treatments, and as a power source in early radio devices. However, due to its health risks and availability of safer alternatives, its use in commercial and medical applications has declined significantly. Nowadays, radium is primarily used for research purposes and in specialized scientific devices.