Information on the radioisotope: Cobalt 60 used in medicine and in industry

a) Identify a radioisotope that is used in medicine or industry and briefly outline its use Cobalt-60 is used in industrial radiography to inspect metal parts and welds for defects, in gamma sterilisation of equipment and in gauging. In the area of medicine, Cobalt-60 is used in cancer radiotherapy. b) Describe how the radioisotope is made. Radioactive cobalt-60 is produced in a process called activation, when materials in reactors, such as steel, are exposed to …

…cost due to the extensive time spent in the reactor. In the irradiation of food the treatment of the food is relatively slow. The use of radioactive cobalt-60 in food destroys thiamine and could also cause mutations in fruits and vegetables. Also occasionally medical and industrial sources have been lost or stolen posing a significant health risk to those who handle them. Exposures to gamma radiation from cobalt-60 result in an increased risk of cancer.