Is cobalt-60 harmful to the environment?
Most exposure to cobalt-60 takes place intentionally during medical tests and treatments. Such exposures are carefully controlled to avoid adverse health impacts. Since cobalt-60 has a short half-life there is no significant presence of the isotope in the general environment at this time.
What is the source of cobalt-60?
WHERE DOES COBALT-60 COME FROM AND WHERE IS IT FOUND? Cobalt-60 is artificially produced by bombarding a target material, either cobalt-59 or nickel-60, with neutrons. This reaction is produced by nuclear weapons detonations and in nuclear reactors.
What are the side effects of cobalt radiation?
The inhalation of cobalt particles may also cause asthma, shortness of breath, respiratory sensitization or decreased pulmonary function. Cobalt-60 emits radiation, causing long-lasting symptoms like fatigue and hairloss, and even loss of consciousness.
What type of radiation does cobalt-60 emit?
Gamma Rays
Type of Radiation Emitted: Beta Particles. Gamma Rays.
How does cobalt affect the environment?
Blasting and electricity consumption in cobalt mining is damaging to the environment. Eutrophication and global warming are the most affected impact categories. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emission are highest from cobalt mining.
What are the effects of cobalt on humans?
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.
How much radiation does a cobalt-60 source produce?
Cobalt-60 (60Co) and caesium-137 (137Cs) are the most widely used sources of gamma radiation. Co produces gamma rays with energies of 1.173 and 1.332 MeV and has a half-life of 5.27 years, whereas 137Cs produces gamma rays with an energy of 0.662 MeV and has a longer half-life of 30.1 years.
Is cobalt harmful to 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.
Why is Cobalt-60 used in food irradiation?
Cobalt-60 is the most common source of gamma rays for food irradiation in commercial scale facilities as it is water insoluble and hence has little risk of environmental contamination by leakage into the water systems.
Why is cobalt-60 commonly used in radiation therapy?
Is cobalt hazardous?
What are the effects of exposure to Cobalt 60?
For example, contact with a large amount of Cobalt-60 has led to people experiencing skin burns or acute radiation sickness, a serious illness characterized by nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea and hair loss. According to Livestrong.com, cobalt-60 exposure can cause various acute and delayed neurological effects.
How many Curies of Cobalt 60 are there?
The industry works closely with regulators to realize continuous improvement in all aspect of the safe manufacture, transportation, use and disposal of cobalt-60 sources. During the 50-year history of the industry, over 800 million curies of cobalt-60 has been safely and securely shipped to gamma processing sites more than 50 countries.
How is Cobalt 60 formed in nuclear reactors?
A by-product of nuclear reactor operations, cobalt-60 is formed when metal structures come into contact with neutron radiation. Cobalt-60, also known as co-60, is the most common cobalt isotope and can occur as a solid material or as a powder if the solid source has been damaged or ground up.
What is the most common radioactive form of cobalt?
EPA Facts about Cobalt-60 What is cobalt-60? The most common radioactive form of cobalt is cobalt-60. It is produced commercially and used as a tracer and radiotherapeutic agent. It is produced in a process called activation, when materials in reactors, such as steel, are exposed to neutron radiation. What are the uses of cobalt-60?