![Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. Cobalt-60 Therapy Machine](/sites/default/files/styles/large_1/public/2019-04/artifact-1966-0043-control-unit.jpg.webp?itok=21M73RnF)
Current location:
Collection Storage Facility
Provenance:
This Theratron Junior (serial no. 15) radiotherapy device was used in Binghamton, New York, at Our Lady Lourdes Hospital from 1957 to 1968.
Technical history:
The Theratron Junior delivered cobalt-60 radiation, a radioactive isotope of cobalt, for the treatment of cancer. Cobalt beam therapy uses deeply penetrating gamma radiation from a cobalt-60 source contained in the heavily reinforced tungsten head. These gamma rays are directed at malignant tumour sites.
History:
In 1951, Canada was the first country to develop cobalt-60 radiation treatment. This cobalt therapy machine was manufactured by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, a world leader in developing and selling nuclear technology for medical purposes.
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