Cobalt-60 is a commercially important radioisotope, used as a radioactive tracer and for the production of high-energy gamma rays. Cobalt is the active center of a group of coenzymes called cobalamins. Cobalt Standard atomic weight Ar°(Co) 58.933194±0.000003 58.933±0.001 (abridged) Cobalt in the periodic table What happens if you touch cobalt-60? Read more…
Type of Radiation Emitted: Beta Particles. What type of radiation is cobalt-60? gamma raysCobalt-60 emits two high energy gamma rays, making cobalt-60 both an internal and external hazard. The primary exposure pathways of concern are ingestion (drinking water and fish consumption), and exposure by inhalation and external exposure. Is cobalt-60 Read more…
Electromagnets allow all ferromagnetic materials to be lifted, moved and handled safely and conveniently. These materials include iron, nickel, cobalt and certain minerals such as magnetite. Can electromagnets attract cobalt? Only ferromagnetic materials such as iron, cobalt, and nickel are attracted to magnetic fields strongly enough to be truly considered Read more…
Cobalt is used in the body to help absorb and process vitamin B12. In addition, cobalt helps treat illnesses such as anemia and certain infectious diseases. Cobalt also aids in repair of myelin, which surrounds and protects nerve cells. It helps in the formation of hemoglobin (red blood cells). How Read more…
Health Concerns As mentioned earlier, cobalt is generally safe–but not for the workers who extract it from the environment and are likely to be inhaling high and harmful amounts of cobalt on a regular basis. Because of this, some people opt to limit their support for products containing cobalt. What Read more…
Cobalt conducts electricity due to the presence of free electrons. Cobalt is a transition metal with atomic number 27, having an electronic configuration [Ar] 4s2 3d7, and consists of nine valence electrons that help conduct electric current flow and produce electricity. Is cobalt a conductive metal? Cobalt is a ferromagnetic Read more…
Today, some cobalt is produced specifically from one of a number of metallic-lustered ores, such as cobaltite (CoAsS). The element is, however, more usually produced as a by-product of copper and nickel mining. What is the main ore of cobalt? Out of about 60,000 tonnes of cobalt mined per year, Read more…
A magnetic field is an area in which the non-contact force of magnetism has an effect on other magnets or magnetic materials. For example, cobalt is magnetic. If it was placed close enough to be within the magnetic field of a bar magnet, the cobalt would be attracted to it. Read more…
Cobalt allergy affects about 2% of the general population and can develop at any age, including in children. It shows a female predominance (2:1) and is commonly associated with atopic dermatitis. One study reported an increased prevalence of cobalt allergy in people with skin of colour. How do you know Read more…
As a component of vitamin B12 it can cause anemia. The common symptoms due to acute cobalt deficiency are paleness, weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and subsequent poor growth, shortness of breath, dizziness, scaly ears and watery discharge from the eyes. Can cobalt poisoning cause anemia? Cobalt poisoning Read more…