Radiation leak sparks scare in Delhi, BARC experts probe

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Junk can be dangerous for health as 5 people found out. Scrap material found emitting radiation caused burn injuries. 

Radiation leak sparks scare in Delhi, BARC experts probe

 

April 2010 Radiation Leak Incident, New Delhi

Presence of Cobalt-60 in scrap metal caused a radiation leak incident on 9th April 2010, in western Delhi, India where five people suffered injuries due to exposure, one of them exhibiting severe radiation burns.

Cobalt-60 (60Co) is a radioactive isotope of cobalt. Due to its short half life of 5.27 years 60Co is not found in nature. It is produced artificially byneutron activation of 59Co.

 

Main uses for 60Co:

As a tracer for cobalt in chemical reactions,Sterilization of medical equipment,

Radiation source for medical radiotherapy,

Radiation source for industrial radiography,

Radioactive source for leveling devices and thickness gauges,As a radioactive source for food irradiation and blood irradiation, and

As a radioactive source for laboratory use.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Radiation-leak-sparks-scare-in-Delhi-BARC-experts-probe/articleshow/5776845.cms