Chronic cobalt toxicity

Symptoms of chronic cobalt toxicity in humans occurred in anemic persons undergoing therapy with iron supplements to which cobalt was added to promote iron absorption and to stimulate erythropoiesis. Depending on the degree of iron deficiency and the amount of iron supplement prescribed, patients thus treated could typically receive from 0.17 to 3.19 mg Co kg per day over periods of days to many months. 

Nickel citrate, molecular formula, 6 638t Nickel-coated powder products, 77 123 Nickel-cobalt plating, 9 821 Nickel compounds, 77 106-132 in agricultural chemicals, 77 125 analytical methods for, 77 117-119 as catalysts, 77 121-123 chronic toxicity of, 77 120 economic aspects of, 77 118t in electroplating, 77 123 environmental concerns related to, 77 121... 

Toxicity. Coball, like most oilier metals, is not entirely harmless, although ii is not in any way comparable lo the known toxic metals, such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. Inhalation of fine cobalt dust over long periods can cause an irritation of Ihe respiratory organs, which may result in chronic bronchitis. Complete recovery is usually achieved upon removal from the contaminated atmosphere. Cobalt salts can cause benign dermatoses, either in people new to handling them, or aflci prolonged exposure, usually several years. 

Raltech Scientific Services, A chronic toxicity, oncogenicity and multigeneration study using CD-I mice to evaluate frozen, thermally sterilized, cobalt-60 irradiated, and 10 MeV electron irradiated chicken meat. Final Report, 1984 (unpublished document. United States Army Contract No. DAMD 17-76-C-6047). 

B. Chronic toxicity to the hematologic and nervous systems results from inactivation of vitamin following irreversible oxidation of its cobalt atom. Vitamin Bi2 is required for the synthesis of methionine, which is essential for DNA synthesis and maintenance of myelin. Use of nitrous oxide can precipitate neurological symptoms in patients with subclinical B,2 or folic acid deficiency. 

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