cobalt-60

Cobalt-60 is a synthetic radioactive isotope of cobalt produced by neutron activation of stable cobalt-59 in nuclear reactors. It has a half-life of approximately 5.27 years and decays by beta emission to nickel-60, accompanied by the emission of high-energy gamma rays (1.17 MeV and 1.33 MeV). In medicine, cobalt-60 is primarily used as a radiopharmaceutical for external beam radiation therapy (teletherapy) to treat various cancers; its gamma rays are effective at destroying malignant cells. It is also widely used for sterilization of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals due to its strong gamma emissions that eliminate bacteria and pathogens. Industrial applications include non-destructive testing (NDT) for inspecting materials and structures as well as food irradiation to extend shelf life and ensure safety. Cobalt-60 does not occur naturally; it must be produced in nuclear reactors under controlled conditions[2][3][4][5][8].

Brand names

C-188C188C 188

Other names

cobalt Co-60COBALT 60COBALT60COBALT-6010198-40-0