Barium-137 isotope

Barium-137 is a radioactive isotope of the element barium. It has a half-life of about 2.55 minutes, which means that it decays rapidly and is not stable enough to be found in nature. Barium-137 is primarily used in medical imaging and cancer treatment. In medical imaging, barium-137 is used in a procedure known as a barium swallow. This involves drinking a liquid containing barium-137, which coats the inside of the esophagus and stomach, allowing for clear X-ray images of these organs to be taken. Barium-137 is also used in a similar procedure called a barium enema, which involves injecting the isotope into the colon. In cancer treatment, barium-137 is used in a type of radiation therapy called brachytherapy. This involves placing small pellets containing the isotope near the tumor, where it emits radiation that destroys the cancer cells. Barium-137 is particularly effective for treating prostate cancer, as it can be targeted directly to the tumor site. From a chemical standpoint, barium-137 is a radioactive isotope of barium, which has 56 protons and typically has 137 neutrons. When it decays, it releases gamma radiation, which can be dangerous if not properly handled. As a result, barium-137 is typically used in controlled environments and under the supervision of trained professionals.