cobalt-60

cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co),

a radioactive isotope of the element cobalt with a mass of 60 and a half-life of 5.2 years. ⁶⁰Co emits high-energy gamma rays and is the most frequently used radioisotope in radiotherapy. It must be stored in a position well shielded by lead or uranium.

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cobalt

a chemical element, atomic number 27, atomic weight 58.933, symbol Co. A component of vitamin B₁₂. See Table 6.

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cobalt-57

a radioisotope of cobalt having a half-life of 270 days; used as a label for cyanocobalamin. Symbol ⁵⁷Co.

cobalt-60

a radioisotope of cobalt having a half-life of 5.27 years and a principal gamma ray energy of 1.33 MeV; used as a radiation therapy source. Symbol ⁶⁰Co.

cobalt nutritional deficiency

causes anorexia and poor weight gain. Identification of the disease is based on chemical analysis of pasture and soil and biochemical analysis of animal tissues and fluids. Called also enzootic marasmus, Grand Traverse disease and other regional names.

cobalt poisoning

accidental overdosing with cobalt causes listlessness, weight loss and incoordination.