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Californium-252 Californium-252 is a man-made isotope that is produced in nuclear reactors. It has a relatively short half-life of 2.65 years. It emits alpha radiation, and is a strong emitter of neutrons. Californium-252 has several medical and industrial applications, including its use in cancer therapy. It is also used to detect explosive devices in airline luggage. The alpha radiation emitted by californium-252 can be harmful to the human body if inhaled or ingested in large enough amounts, raising the risk of cancer.
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This
material is produced independently for NTI by the Center for Nonproliferation
Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does
not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently
verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents.
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