tantalum-182

Tantalum-182 is a radioactive isotope of the element tantalum. It is produced by neutron irradiation of natural tantalum (primarily ^181^Ta) in a nuclear reactor. Tantalum-182 decays with a half-life of approximately 111–114 days and emits both beta particles and gamma rays with energies around 1.12–1.23 MeV[3][6][8]. Historically, it has been used as a source for brachytherapy in cancer treatment as an alternative to radium due to its similar radiation characteristics[6]. The typical form for medical use was thin wires sheathed in platinum to absorb beta particles while allowing gamma emission[6]. Its primary mechanism is the emission of ionizing radiation for therapeutic purposes.

Other names

tantalum-182tantalum182tantalum 18213982-00-8Tantalum, isotope of mass 182