How dangerous is the radioactive source lost in Vung Tau

Co-60, a lost radioactive source in Vung Tau, is an artificial radioactive isotope of Coban, which can cause cancer if exposed.

Danger of radioactive sources lost in Vung Tau

Cobalt (chemical symbol Co) is a metal that can be stable (not radioactive when found in nature) or unstable (radioactive, artificial). The most common radioisotope of Co is Co-60.

The radioactive Co-60 was discovered by Glenn T. Seaborg and John Livingood, two experts at the University of California - Berkeley in the late 1930s.

Electrolytic cobalt fragments.(Photos: Wikipedia)

Non-radioactive is often found in ores and is used to make ceramics and glass green. Radioactive Co-60 Nuclides are created for use in linear accelerators. It was also created as a by-product of nuclear reactor activity. Co-60 is used in many industrial applications, medical radiotherapy, and is increasingly being used in the sterilization process of some foods without damaging the product. Similar to the operation of X-rays, Co-60 can be used for industrial shooting techniques to detect structural errors in metal parts.

Radionuclides for industry or medical treatment are often placed in sealed metal containers and called radioactive sources. Medical or industrial radioactive sources can sometimes be lost or stolen. Scientists warn that in some cases, we can hold it in our hands without knowing what it is and accidentally contacting. They can also be found in many landfills.

The radioactive source has a metal cover, so it is easy to mix with scrap metal and is not detected during transport to recycling facilities. Industrial facilities often use radiation detectors to detect potential risks, but sources mixed in large scrap may not be detected from the beginning. Co-60 can be discharged into the environment through leakage or spillage errors through nuclear power plants, in solid waste from these plants.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, all ionizing radiation, including Co-60, can cause cancer. The level of health effects depends on the time of exposure, the distance of exposure from the source or exposure conditions (via digestion or inhalation). Co-60 is a source of gamma rays, so external exposure to a large source of Co-60 can cause skin burns, acute radioactive syndrome or death. Most Co-60 is excreted in the feces, however a small amount is absorbed by the liver, kidneys and bones and can cause cancer.

Radioactive sources are lost in Pomina 3 steel factory, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province.(Photo: Xuan Mai)

The People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province held an emergency meeting this morning after receiving information that Pomina 3 steel plant lost radioactive sources.Lost radioactive sources are used to measure liquid steel levels on billet production lines .