Californium
Summary
What it is
Common uses
Public Perception
Anxiety level
Cultural claims
Source sentiment
History
Timeline
Origin
Science
Key findings
Studies
Safety status
Nuance
Alternatives
Swaps
Avoidance tips
References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Californium

ingredientHeavy Metals

Total Sources: 45

Verified Claims: 25

Scientific Sources: 22

Also known as: Cf

Summary

Californium is a synthetic, radioactive element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98. It is a member of the actinide series and was first synthesized in 1950 at the University of California, Berkeley [15], [24].

What it is

Californium is a man-made transuranic element, meaning it has an atomic number higher than uranium. It is produced in nuclear reactors and is a strong neutron emitter [5], [24].

Common uses

  • Neutron source in nuclear reactors [2], [40]

  • Portable metal detectors [24]

  • Identifying gold and silver ores [24]

  • Identifying water and oil layers in oil wells [24]

  • Detecting metal fatigue and stress in airplanes [24]

  • Cancer treatment [17], [28]

Public Perception

Anxiety level

High. Due to its radioactivity and potential health hazards, californium is a substance that causes concern [5], [40].

Cultural claims

  • Some reports of illegal trafficking of californium exist, with the substance being offered for sale on the black market [28], [29], [30].

Source sentiment

Reports regarding californium range from scientific studies on its properties and uses to news articles about its potential dangers and illegal trade [6], [28], [29].

History

Timeline

1950

Californium was first synthesized [24].

1985

Experiments and inventions involving Californium-252 were conducted at the Savannah River Plant [16].

1994

The Advisory Committee for the Medical Use of Isotopes (ACMUI) met to discuss the medical use of byproduct material [18].

Origin

Californium was first synthesized by Stanley Thompson, Kenneth Street Jr., Albert Ghiorso, and Glenn Seaborg in 1950 at the University of California, Berkeley, by bombarding curium-242 with alpha particles [24].

First appeared: 1950

Science

Key findings

  • Californium-252 is a strong neutron emitter, making it useful in various applications [5], [24], [40].

  • Exposure to californium increases the risk of carcinogenesis [40].

  • Californium isotopes have varying half-lives, ranging from minutes to hundreds of years [5], [40], [41].

Studies

Transuranic Elements

Californium (element 98), a useful neutron radiation source, is available in slightly larger amounts [5].

Selective perturbation of in vivo linear energy transfer using high- Z vaginal applicators for Cf-252brachytherapy

Californium-252 (252Cf) brachytherapy sources emit both neutrons and photons and have the potential to vastly improve the current standard-of-practice for brachytherapy [16].

Probing electronic structure in berkelium and californium via...

The obtention and study of actinide elements is challenging due to various factors including their radioactivity and scarcity [14].

Safety status

Californium is a radioactive material and poses a health risk due to ionizing radiation emissions. Ingestion of californium is especially hazardous [40].

Nuance

The health hazards posed by radioactive elements like californium have been a major hurdle to their research [14].

Alternatives

Other neutron sources

Depending on the application, other neutron-emitting isotopes or neutron generators may be used instead of californium-252.

Avoidance tips

  • Due to its limited applications and presence, general consumers are unlikely to encounter californium in everyday life. However, those working in nuclear facilities or research labs should follow strict safety protocols to minimize exposure [5], [14].

References

1.

https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp157.pdf