Iridium+192

Iridium-192 is one of the radioactive isotopes of iridium. It is not naturally occurring therefore it has to be synthesized through a reactor from non-decaying iridium. Its half life is of about 73.8 days and it decays through beta particles and gamma radiation. It is silverish white and it is a very dense metal. Because of its density and short half life, it will not rust when exposed to natural factors. It is used mainly to treat certain kinds of cancer. It is used in very small amounts, perhaps even as small as an orange seed because since it decays so quickly, it might affect a person in different ways such as:
 * Iridium-192 **

**Externally:** · Burns · Acute radiation sickness · And even death

**Internally:** · Burns in the stomach or intestines The most common way to treat cancer is through brachytherapy, in which a seled package with a sample of iridium-192 is placed adjacent to the place where the tumor is so that the radiation can affect directly the growth of the tumor. This isotope is also a good source of energy for several specialized industries such as the testing of some metals.



** Sources:   ** · http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/isotopes/pdf/iridium.pdf · http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iridium · http://www.isoflex.com/ir192.html · www.evs.anl.gov/pub/doc/**Iridium**.pdf