Cobalt exposure symptoms8/28/2023 ![]() In addition to the neurological concerns that cobalt poisoning poses, when combined with chromium, the cobalt ions can contribute to loss of appetite, weight loss, and low energy.Ĭhromium poisoning alone has also been associated with skin inflammation, renal failure, cardiovascular issues, and more. In another study dating back to 2016, researchers suggested that some implants released metal particles and could be responsible for toxicity. These metal particles predominantly consist of cobalt and chromium ions. Seven of the nine in the study showed short term memory loss and possible dementia. Out of 10 patients studied, nine experienced neuropsychiatric complications due to cobalt and chromium toxicity.Īll nine participants who experienced those complications fulfilled the criteria for depression, and three of those patients were being treated for it. The Data on Cobalt Poisoning and Neuropsychiatric ComplicationsĪ 2017 study in BMC Psychiatry looked at ten cases of metal-on-metal hip replacements. Unfortunately, her story is one lived by the many who cope with neurological issues as a result of cobalt toxicity. The effects of the cobalt alloy hips were life-altering for Frances. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.“I developed memory loss, severe tinnitus, visual disturbances, confusion and PTSD-like rage/anxiety attacks,” she shares, as well as a migraine that landed her in the ER. įor more information on protecting yourself before or during a radiologic emergency, see CDC’s fact sheet titled “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Radiation Emergency” at /radiation/emergencyfaq.htm, and “Sheltering in Place During a Radiation Emergency,” at /radiation/shelter.htm. Co-60 absorbed by the liver, kidneys, or bone tissue can cause cancer because of exposure to the gamma radiation.įor more information about Co-60, see the Public Health Statement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at, or visit the Environmental Protection Agency at. ![]() Most Co-60 that is ingested is excreted in the feces however, a small amount is absorbed by the liver, kidneys, and bones. It resembles iron or nickel.īecause it decays by gamma radiation, external exposure to large sources of Co-60 can cause skin burns, acute radiation sickness, or death. Co-60 can occur as a powder if the solid sources have been ground or damaged.Ĭo-60 is a hard, gray-blue metal. Co-60 also is a byproduct of nuclear reactor operations, when metal structures, such as steel rods, are exposed to neutron radiation.Ĭo-60 occurs as a solid material and might appear as small metal disks or in a tube, enclosed at both ends, that holds the small disks. Radioactive Co-60 is produced commercially through linear acceleration for use in medicine and industry. Nonradioactive cobalt occurs naturally in various minerals and has long been used as a blue coloring agent for ceramic and glass. Co-60 also is used for food irradiation, a sterilization process. It is used industrially in leveling gauges and to x-ray welding seams and other structural elements to detect flaws. Mode of decay: Beta particles and gamma radiationĬhemical properties: Metallic solid that can become magnetically chargedĬo-60 is used medically for radiation therapy as implants and as an external source of radiation exposure.
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