Cobalt (synonym: cobalt, Co) is a heavy metal from the iron group that occurs as a trace element in the body. It is essential, meaning vital, for microbial vitamin B12 synthesis in the intestine.Cobalt is used primarily in the glass and porcelain industries and in metal and magnet production.
Acute cobalt poisoning can be distinguished from chronic cobalt poisoning.
In acute cobalt poisoning, the following symptoms may occur:
- Hepatopathy (liver disease)
- Nephropathy (kidney disease)
- Respiratory and gastrointestinal tract burns (respiratory and gastrointestinal tract).
Chronic cobalt poisoning may cause the following symptoms:
- Contact eczema (due to e.g. glass, cement).
- Myocardiopathy – pathological changes in the heart muscle tissue.
- Hard metal lung – severe, possibly lethal (fatal) pulmonary fibrosis caused by inhalation of metallic vapors, dusts (cobalt oxide dust) and smoking, which occur during sintering as well as casting of hard metals.
- Polyglobulia – excessive formation of erythrocytes (red blood cells).
The procedure
Material needed
- Blood serum
- Urine
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Standard values
| Blood serum | < 0.4 μg/l |
| Urine | < 1.0 μg/l |
Indications
- Suspected cobalt poisoning
Interpretation
Interpretation of lowered values
- Not relevant to disease
Interpretation of elevated values
- Occupational exposure (recognition as occupational disease).
Other notes
