Scientists begin to safely produce isotopes

Researchers in Canada develop safe way to produce radioactive element that treats cancer.

Millons of cancer and heart disease patients around the world are treated with radioactive elements called isotopes.
 
The substance is mostly produced at nuclear facilities. Instead of a costly, dangerous nuclear reactor, isotopes are made in a cyclotron, a standard particle accelerator sold on the commercial market.

It uses magnets, not uranium, and emits radiation but in small amounts.

Now, researchers in Canada say the have developed a safe way to produce it in hospitals.  
 
Al Jazeera’s Daniel Lak reports.