NIOSH lists cough, dyspnea, wheezing, decreased pulmonary function, weight loss, dermatitis, diffuse nodular fibrosis, respiratory hypersensitivity, and asthma for cobalt metal dust and fume exposure.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: NIOSH Pocket Guide — Cobalt metal dust and fume (as Co) ↗Dust entry
Cobalt metal dust and fume
Cobalt metal dust and fume exposure covered by the NIOSH Pocket Guide; finely divided cobalt dust can burn at high temperatures.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
coughbreathing difficultywheezingdecreased pulmonary functionweight lossdermatitisdiffuse nodular fibrosisrespiratory hypersensitivityasthma
Evidence
Controls
- dust containment
- local exhaust ventilation
- skin protection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection