How is 60co produced

Without the 60 Co step, no elements from number 27 through 83 would be created in supernovas. After entering a living mammal such as a human , most of the 60 Co gets excreted in feces. A small amount is absorbed by liver , kidneys , and bones , where the prolonged exposure to gamma radiation can cause cancer.

Accidental mixing of radioactive sources containing cobalt with metal scrap can result in production of radioactive steel. An example was the radiation accident from December 6 in Mexico , where a discarded radiation therapy source caused contamination of 5, metric tons of steel.

Another example of Co contamination is the March 1 , incident at the Italian port of La Spezia , where a cargo ship from China was found to contain 30 tons of steel contaminated by 60 Co [3] [4]. Such exposures are carefully controlled to avoid adverse health impacts and to maximize the benefits of medical care.

Because it decays by gamma radiation, external exposure to Co can increase cancer risk. Most Co that is ingested is excreted in feces; however, a small amount is absorbed by the liver, kidneys and bones.

Cobalt absorbed by the liver, kidneys, or bone tissue can cause cancer from internal exposure to gamma radiation. Mishandling of a large industrial source of Co could result in an external exposure large enough to cause skin burns, acute radiation sickness radiation sickness A serious illness that can happen when a person is exposed to very high levels of radiation, usually over a short period of time.

Skip to main content. Radiation Protection. Contact Us. Radionuclide Basics: Cobalt On this page:. Because it decays by gamma radiation, external exposure to large sources of Co can cause skin burns, acute radiation sickness , or death.

Most Co that is ingested is excreted in the feces; however, a small amount is absorbed by the liver, kidneys, and bones. Co absorbed by the liver, kidneys, or bone tissue can cause cancer because of exposure to the gamma radiation. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

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