How long does it take before all of the atoms of which we are made of are replaced?

Question

I'm sure atoms have a shelf life of some kind, but i was wondering how long it would take from say birth, before all of the atoms of which you were made of would of been replaced?

This is interresting because it would mean that although you still exist you arte infact made of completely new matieral, you are a new you!

Thanks for the answers so far people.

So, next time i see a woman with breast implants, i should realise that they may just be the most original part of her!

Answer 1

It depends on the body part. Some elements are never flushed from the body. Others cycle in a matter of days. But answers between 7 and 10 years are probably about right for cycling the majority of atoms in the body.

Answer 2

Atoms hang around for a long, long time - much longer than any of us. Several billions of years as I understand it.

But you're right, the cells in our bodies renew themselves every seven years or something - and cells are obviously made of atoms, like everything else.

Good question - don't have any idea of the answer, can you tell!

PS I do know that Old Know All is spot on about Julius Caesar's feet. We're all made up of atoms from other long dead organisms, and that could include anyone and everyone from history.

Answer 3

about 9 years

Answer 4

You change completely every 7 years, but some of the old atoms get recycled. So you've got atoms in your head that used to be part of your feet and some that used to be part of my feet and some that used to be part of Julius Caesar's feet.

Answer 5

I am equally sure that atoms exist for ever unless they are divided by nuclear fission or fusion. I also think I am right, but am open to being proved wrong.

Answer 6

In the U.K. the average life expectancy is 84 years.
So they say?

Answer 7

I htought it was 7 but yes, everything gets renewed.

Answer 8

seven years