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Iridium-192

Iridium-192 emits beta and powerful gamma radiation and has a half-life of 74 days. It is often used in treating prostate cancer, and in detecting faults below the surface of certain materials.

Because of its strong gamma radiation, iridium-192 can be harmful in cases of direct external exposure of the body. It could also be dangerous if inhaled or ingested in large enough amounts.

Photo credit: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Discs of iridium-192

 


• Overview/Low to Medium Risk Sources

• Americium-241

• Californium-252

• Cesium-137

• Cobalt-60

• Iridium-192

• Plutonium-238-239

• Radium-226

• Strontium-90



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.
Copyright © 2004 by MIIS.