|  | Public Health Safety | Environmental Health

Health Risks of Cobalt Paint

Be aware of the health risks of cobalt paint. Cobalt produces a variety of unique blue hues often used by artisans. The body needs small amounts of cobalt, found in vitamin B12, to function properly. The U.S. Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) found that excessive cobalt exposure can cause significant health problems.

  1. Respiratory

    • Health risks of cobalt paint include respiratory irritation. Inhaling cobalt fumes causes breathing difficulties. Continued exposure results in the development of pneumonia, asthma and other respiratory allergies. A report by the Agency For Toxic Substances & Disease Registry described the condition of workers exposed to six hours of cobalt fume levels deemed excessive by OSHA standards. Subjects began to wheeze. Some developed cobalt allergies. Scientists believe substantial evidence links cobalt inhalation to certain lung diseases.

    Bones / Blood

    • Another one of the health risks of cobalt paint deals with the circulatory and skeletal system. Cobalt poisoning has been associated with a dangerous increase in red blood cells. The condition causes the formation of potentially life-threatening blood clots. Scientists have linked cobalt to certain types of bone cancer due to hyperplasia, which refers to cells that remain normal in size but reproduce at an abnormally fast rate. In some cases, growths remain benign but distort the body.

    Skin

    • The health risks of cobalt paint include skin inflammation. Cobalt exposure can cause dermatitis; sufferers develop red, itchy patches at the point of contact. The inflammation often spreads between the fingers and into elbow creases or other skin folds. Skin affected by dermatitis can ooze and become significantly scarred after the affliction has healed. Doctors recommend using wet compresses to alleviate symptoms, along with treating the area with corticosteroids. Take antihistamines for itching.

    Additional Risks

    • Additional health risks of cobalt paint include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hot flashes. Exposure to cobalt fumes can result in increased mucus production, along with thyroid and pancreatic damage. The Journal of Internal Medicine states that highly concentrated cobalt levels are found in the pancreas of individuals who come into contact with the element on a regular basis. Elevated cobalt levels can result in the destruction of pancreatic alpha cells, responsible for elevating blood glucose levels in the body.

Environmental Health - Related Articles