Re: Co-60 Chemical Comp.

["Patrick J. McDermott" <mcdermot@REHS.rutgers.edu>]

Radsafers,

We have a Co-60 pipe source that we are moving.  It has been inside 
another canister, aluminum we think,  for the past 30 years.  We need 
to remove it from this canister in order to transfer it to another 
shielded container.  

Does anyone have information as to the chemical composition of the 
Co-59 when it is irradiated to make Co-60?  Is it pure Co-59 or a 
mixture of metals?  Should we expect to see some oxidation? 
("flaking" and potential contamination &/or airborne concerns)    

Any references or information would be appreciated.
Feel free to reply directly to me.
Thank you in advance for your help.

Regards,
Patrick J. McDermott

Patrick J. McDermott
Rutgers Envir. Health & Safety
Rutgers, The State University
24 Street 1603
Bldg 4127 Livingston Campus
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8036
(p) 732-445-2550 (f) 732-445-3109
e-mail: mcdermot@rehs.rutgers.edu