Cobalt poisoning

Definition

Cobalt is a naturally occurring element in the earth's crust. It is a very small part of our environment and very small amounts are needed for many animals and humans to stay healthy.

Cobalt poisoning can occur when you are exposed to large amounts of cobalt. There are three basic ways that cobalt can cause poisoning. You can swallow too much of it, breathe too much into your lungs, or have it come in constant contact with your skin.

Alternative Names

Cobalt chloride; Cobalt oxide; Cobalt sulfate

Poisonous Ingredient

Cobalt

Where Found

Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12, an essential vitamin.

Cobalt may also be found in:

• Chemistry/crystal sets
• Magnets
• Dyes and pigments (Cobalt Blue)
• Alloys
• Batteries
• Drill bits and machine tools
• Tires

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Usually you have to be exposed to high levels of cobalt for weeks to months to have symptoms. However, it is possible to have some symptoms if you swallow a large amount of cobalt at once.

The most worrisome form of cobalt poisoning occurs when you breathe too much into your lungs. This usually will only happen in industrial settings where large amounts of drilling, polishing, or other processes release fine particles containing cobalt into the air. Breathing in this cobalt dust can cause a lot of chronic lung problems. If you breathe in this substance for long periods, you will likely develop problems breathing similar to asthma or more permanent problems, such as pulmonary fibrosis.

Cobalt poisoning that occurs from constant contact with your skin will likely cause irritation and rashes that will go away slowly.

Swallowing a large amount of absorbable cobalt at one time is very rare and likely not too dangerous. This may cause nausea and vomiting. However, if you swallow a large amount of cobalt over longer periods of time, serious health problems can occur, including:

• Cardiomyopathy (a problem where your heart becomes big and floppy and has problems pumping blood)
• Thyroid problems
• Thickening of your blood
• Possible nerve problems

Home Care

If you or someone you know has been exposed to cobalt, the first step is to leave the area and get fresh air. If cobalt came in contact with the skin, wash the area thoroughly.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

If you are brought to the emergency room, it is likely because you either swallowed a large amount of cobalt or because you are finally starting to feel sick from chronic long-term exposure.

Treatment for skin contact: Since these rashes are rarely serious, very little will be done. The area may be washed and a topical skin cream may be prescribed.

Treatment for lung involvement: Your difficulty breathing will be treated based on your symptoms. Breathing treatments, x-rays, and medications to treat swelling and inflammation in your lungs may all be used.

Treatment for swallowed cobalt: The health care team will treat your symptoms and order some routine blood tests. In the rare cases where you have large levels of cobalt in your blood, hemodialysis and some medications that work as partial antidotes may be used.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Persons who become sick from being exposed to large amounts of cobalt on one single occasion usually recover and have no long-term complications.

The symptoms and problems associated with long-term cobalt poisoning are rarely reversible. Persons who have such poisoning will likely have to take medicine for the rest of their life to control the symptoms.

Goldfrank LR, Flomenbaum NE, Lewin NA, et al.Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2002.