Cobalt poisoning

Cobalt poisoning
Classification and external resources
Cobalt
ICD-10	T56.8
ICD-9	985.8
DiseasesDB	2882
MedlinePlus	002495

Cobalt poisoning is intoxication caused by excessive levels of cobalt in the body. Cobalt is an essential element for health in animals in minute amounts as a component of Vitamin B₁₂. A deficiency of cobalt, which is very rare, is also potentially lethal, leading to pernicious anemia.^[1]

How cobalt enters the body

Exposure to cobalt metal dust is most common in the fabrication of tungsten carbide.

Toxicity of cobalt salts

The LD₅₀ values of soluble cobalt salts has been estimated to be between 150 and 500 mg/kg. Thus, for a 100 kg person the LD₅₀ would be about 20 grams.^[1]

References

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