Cobalt Poisoning

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Cobalt. (Discuss)

Cobalt poisoning is the intoxication caused by excessive levels of cobalt in the body. Cobalt naturally occurs in animals in minute amounts and forms part of the structure of Vitamin B-12, which plays an important role in cell metabolism. However, in excessive amounts, cobalt is highly toxic and can cause death. Cobalt poisoning is less dangerous than lead poisoning because unlike lead, cobalt is excreted by the body.^{[citation needed]}

How cobalt enters the body

Cobalt can enter the body by ingestion, inhalation, or through the skin.^[1] Exposure to cobalt metal dust is most common in the tungsten carbide industry^[1] but exposure to cobalt-containing compounds is also a risk. For example, in the 1960s, there were deaths in Belgium, the USA and Canada caused by drinking large amounts of beer that contained cobalt chloride or cobalt sulphate as a foam stabilizer.^[2]

History

Extensive studies have been carried out into the effects of cobalt intoxication on the body.^{[citation needed]} In the past^[when?] cobalt chloride was used to treat anemia however several patients receiving cobalt therapy developed symptoms such as ataxia and palpitations the symptoms would often resolve when the cobalt was withdrawn.^{[citation needed]}

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Bradbury, S. M.; S. T. Beer and J. A. Vale. "Cobalt". UK National Poisons Information Service. Retrieved on 2008-09-21.
2. ^ Bradbury, S. M.; P. Sabatta and J. A. Vale. "Cobalt Chloride". UK National Poisons Information Service. Retrieved on 2008-09-21.