Increasing doses of cobalt results in a decreasing proportional absorption, so increased cobalt levels tend not to cause significant accumulation. Oral absorption of cobalt varies widely in humans, and it is estimated to be between 5% and 45%. Less than 5% of an oral dose of cobalt oxide is absorbed, whereas about 30% of an oral dose of cobalt chloride is absorbed in rodents. Differences in oral absorption of cobalt in rodents and humans have been reported. The toxicokinetics of cobalt have been studied and the form of the cobalt-containing compound affects the absorption of cobalt. Cobalt was declared the Contact Allergen of the Year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society in 2016. Here’s an interesting article from Brazil (2016) that is a case series for Hard Metal Lung Disease: Ĭobalt can result in skin irritation or allergy. As a result of this disease association, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set limits to reduce the level of acceptable levels of cobalt in the air. Individuals employed in the cobalt industry are at risk for developing a condition called “hard metal lung disease” (also known as “hard metal pneumoconiosis”) which is a rare condition that results in permanent lung damage. Here’s a sample of the color cobalt from Pantone: Here are some ways that cobalt can enter the body: Radioactive cobalt (cobalt 60) has medical uses in cancer radiation therapy. Cobalt is also a component of some blue pigments. Cobalt is also a component of medical implants (such as hip replacement surgery). Higher exposure to cobalt (via dust inhalation or skin contact, occasionally ingestion) can occur in some industries where metal grinding or cobalt containing metal production occurs or sporadically in some individuals. Good dietary sources of vitamin B12 include milk, eggs and meat and individuals with gastrointestinal absorption issues, some vegetarians and some elderly people can become deficient in this element.Ĭobalt is found in the environment and is typically sourced as a by-product of copper mining.Īccording to Department of the Interior data from 2020, the following states have the largest cobalt reserves: “Alaska, California, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and Tennessee.” from Ĭobalt is found in the environment, so mammalian exposure could be from food, water or air at low levels. Cobalamin is synthesized by bacteria or archaea by microbial fermentation. Cobalamin (also called vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin) is a cobalt-containing molecule that is required for the production of red blood cells. Let’s get back to an essential, yet potentially toxic metal, cobalt.Ĭobalt is an essential trace element that is required for normal functioning of the mammalian body and it is not produced by the body. I tend to be a procrastinator (old news) but the amount of reading for PHR 7588/Toxic Substances while reasonable for this class, is not something that should be done on a Monday (this was a lesson I only needed to teach myself one time).īut enough about me. What worked for me in the past definitely does not work in the online learning environment but I’ll adapt □ That’s one of my learning discoveries this week…management of study time. I’m in my 5th week of being back in school and in addition to learning about the myriad of substances out there in the world that can be toxic to you or the environment, I’m also learning how to manage my study time. I hope everyone is healthy and safe out there.
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