Uranium-226 is a radioactive isotope of uranium that is not commonly found in nature. It is produced through the decay of thorium-230 and has a half-life of about 160,000 years. This long half-life means that it can remain in the environment for extended periods, contributing to radiation exposure. Uranium-226 is part of the uranium decay series, which includes several other isotopes. It is primarily of interest in the fields of nuclear science and geology, where understanding its behavior can help in studying radioactive waste and the natural processes of radioactive decay.