Because it decays by gamma radiation, external exposure to large sources of Co-60 can cause skin burns , acute radiation sickness, or death. Most Co-60 that is ingested is excreted in the feces; however, a small amount is absorbed by the liver, kidneys, and bones.
Is Cobalt-60 good or bad?
The US Environmental Protection Agency describes cobalt-60 as the “most common radioactive isotope” of the element cobalt, which occurs naturally in various minerals. ... This isotope is particularly nasty and potentially deadly because of the cancer-causing gamma rays it emits — gamma 1.33 and 1.17 to be precise.
Why is Cobalt-60 no longer used?
Since cobalt-60 has a short half-life, there is no significant presence of the isotope in the general environment at this time. Exposures have occurred as a result of improper disposal of medical radiation sources and the accidental melting of cobalt-60 sources by metal recycling facilities.
What are the disadvantages of cobalt?
Cobalt dust may cause an asthma-like disease with symptoms ranging from cough, shortness of breath and dyspnea to decreased pulmonary function, nodular fibrosis, permanent disability, and death. Exposure to cobalt may cause weight loss, dermatitis, and respiratory hypersensitivity .
What problem does cobalt-60 solve?
Cobalt-60 is used in the inspection of materials to reveal internal structure, flaws, or foreign objects and in the sterilization of food. In medicine, it is used to treat cancer and to sterilize medical equipment.
What are the benefits of cobalt 60?
In addition to its applications in radiation processing, Cobalt-60 is used as a radiation source for medical radiotherapy where it is used in cancer treatment to control or kill malignant cells. Cobalt-60 is used as the radiation source in Gamma Knife equipment that enables non-surgical treatment of brain tumours.
What are the advantages of using cobalt 60?
The advantages of Co/sup 60/ therapy over conventional x-ray therapy, stemming from the fact that in the lst instance energy absorption within the tissues is by the Compton effect and in the 2nd case by the photoelectric effect, are: (1) increased skin tolerance , (2) reduced bone absorption, (3) increase in depth dose, ...
What is the source of cobalt-60?
of cobalt is cobalt-60 (Co-60). Cobalt-60 is a byproduct of nuclear reactor operations . It is formed when metal structures, such as steel rods, are exposed to neutron radiation.
What does cobalt-60 do to the environment?
How does cobalt-60 change in the environment? Cobalt- 60 decays by beta and gamma emission to non- radioactive nickel . Most of the radiation from the decay of cobalt-60 is in the form of gamma emissions; some is in the form of beta particles.
Is cobalt-60 flammable?
FIRE HAZARDS
Cobalt is not combustible when in solid or bulk form. However, finely divided Cobalt is FLAMMABLE and will ignite spontaneously in air. * Use dolomite, sand, soda ash, dry powder or graphite powder for extinguishing a powdered metal fire.
What are the effects of cobalt on humans?
It can harm the eyes, skin, heart, and lungs . Exposure to cobalt may cause cancer. Workers may be harmed from exposure to cobalt and cobalt-containing products. The level of harm depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.
How does cobalt affect the human body?
Cobalt is toxic to the heart muscle . It can cause heart muscle disease (toxic cardiomyopathy) after too much exposure. An increase in red blood cells (polycythemia) may be a symptom of too much cobalt. Not treating this issue can cause congestive heart failure.
What are 3 uses for cobalt?
- Alloys in Industry. Alloys, or mixtures of metals, make up half the cobalt used each year. ...
- Electroplating. ...
- Alternative Energy. ...
- Orthopedic Implants. ...
- Radiation Therapy and Sterilization. ...
- Nutrition. ...
- Art Material.
Is cobalt treatment still used?
Current use
Cobalt treatment still has a useful role to play in certain applications and is still in widespread use worldwide , since the machinery is relatively reliable and simple to maintain compared to the modern linear accelerator.
How expensive is cobalt 60?
The thermal power of Cobalt 60 –1130 curies a gram 17.4 watts a gram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt-60 costs $280 a gram ($280,000 a kilogram) by one estimate.
