Iodine-132 is a radioactive isotope of iodine, with a half-life of about 2.3 hours. It is produced through the decay of tellurium-132 and is commonly used in medical applications, particularly in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging and treatment. Due to its short half-life, iodine-132 decays quickly, emitting beta particles and gamma radiation. This property makes it useful for targeted therapies, as it minimizes prolonged radiation exposure to patients. However, its rapid decay also means that it must be produced and used shortly after synthesis to ensure effectiveness.