Cobalt chloride

Alternative names

Cobalt; Cobalt oxide; Cobalt sulfate

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of cobalt.

Poisonous Ingredient

Cobalt

Where Found

• Magnets in pigment manufacture
  
• In paint drier
  
• A metallic component of vitamin B-12
  
• Exposure is seen in tool sharpeners, miners, and grinders
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

From swallowing:

• Body as a whole
  o Pain
  o Weakness
  
• Respiratory
  o Shortness of breath
  
• Skin
  o Itching
  o Cyanosis
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Vomiting
  o Nausea
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Low blood pressure
  
• Endocrine
  o Metabolic acidosis
  o Hypothyroidism
  o Goiter
  

From inhalation:

• Respiratory
  o Shortness of breath
  o Wheezing
  
• Skin
  o Rash
  

Home Treatment
If overdosage is caught within approximately 1 hour, lavage and activated charcoal are usually the treatment choices. For oral ingestion, iron can often decrease the absorption of cobalt. Call Poison Control for guidance.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
  
• the time it was swallowed
  
• the amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room