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Answer to Question #2170 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Industrial Radiation — Industrial Applications The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
Water was used to store a 60Co radiation source. My question is if the water will have radioactivity.
A
I assume that the 60Co source you are describing could accurately be referred to as a sealed source under the appropriate technical and legal criteria that defines such sources. The radiation emitted from 60Co is not energetic enough to cause any type of nuclear transformation reactions if it is simply incident upon water. Therefore, it is unlikely that the water atoms themselves have become radioactive. If the integrity of the source housing was somehow lost it might be possible for radioactive atoms of cobalt to enter the water system you described. However, most sources are well designed, perhaps even over designed, so this too is unlikely. Further, those responsible for a particular source are required to check the source for leaks on a periodic basis. If it were leaking they would be required by law to take aggressive actions to contain the leak and handle the source and any radioactive material found in the water in a responsible fashion. So to answer your question directly, it is unlikely that the water will contain radioactive material or be radioactive once the 60Co source is removed. However, the only way to be absolutely certain is to analyze the water for the presence of radioactivity. Richard R. Brey, PhD, CHP
Answer posted on 9 April 2003. The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Web site. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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