Cobalt

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. Dry sand, dry dolomite or dry graphite powder may also be used. (NTP, 1992)

Use special powder, dry sand. NO other agents.

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

(General first aid procedures)

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Air sensitive. Handle and store under inert gas.

Separated from strong oxidants.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove all sources of ignition. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Sweep up and shovel. Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wetbrushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment.

Liquid material spills can be copiously flushed with water and channeled to a treatment system or holding tank for reclamation or proper disposal. Spills of dry material can be removed by vacuuming or wet mopping. Some spills can be removed by hosing, first with a mist of water to dampen the spilled material and then with a more forceful stream that flushes it into a holding tank or other facility for handling contaminated water. Work surfaces or contaminated clothing should never be cleaned by dry sweeping or blowing with pressurized hoses. Recovery systems used to reclaim waste metals should comply with federal, state, and local regulations. All waste materials generated in the handling of cobalt-containing substances should be disposed of in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. /Cobalt and cobalt salts/

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

... Proper mixing of the cobalt waste and the soil is essential to preventing excessive plant accumulation of cobalt.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Type of exposure: producing cobalt powder; cobalt concentration in blood: mean values of 5-48 ug/L; in urine: mean values of 19-438 ug/L; sampling post shift /From table/

Type of exposure: grinding of hard metal; cobalt concentration in serum: 2.1 ug/L; in urine: 18.0 ug/L; /From table/

Type of exposure: producing hard metal tools; cobalt concentration in blood: mean value between 3.3-18.7 ug/L; in urine: between 10-235 ug/L; sampling at Wednesday or Tuesday shift end /From table/

Type of exposure: producing hard metal; cobalt concentration in blood: mean value between 2.0 and 18.3 ug/L; in urine: between 64 and 64.3 ug/g creatinine /From table/

Repeated ip or sc injections of taurine (75-200 mg/kg every half hr) decreased epileptic-like seizure activity induced in mice and cats by direct application of cobalt powder to cerebral cortex. A number of the changes in brain amino acid content which followed cobalt application were normalized by taurine.

In the industry, the potential for exposure to cobalt metal dust is particularly important during the production of cobalt powder and the processing and use of hard metals and other cobalt-containing alloys. ...One of the main target organs is the respiratory tract, and this article concentrates on the lung parenchymal reactions induced by cobalt-containing dust. Clinical and epidemiological data indicate that this manifestation is rarely, if ever, induced by pure cobalt metal dust alone, but requires the concomitant inhalation of other compounds such as tungsten carbide in the hard metal industry (hard metal disease).

Cancer, Dermal (Skin), Hematological (Blood Forming), Hepatic (Liver), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Skin, respiratory system

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Cobalt is a silvery gray solid at room temperature. Elemental cobalt occurs in the 0 valence state. Cobalt has two allotropic forms, hexagonal and cubic. Cobalt metal is used in alloys with iron, nickel, and other metals to make Alnico, an alloy of unusual magnetic strength; and in Stellite alloys, which contain cobalt, chromium, and tungsten and are used for high-speed, heavy-duty, high temperature cutting tools. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Occupational exposure to cobalt occurs is several industries, including hard metal manufacturing, welding and grinding. Inhalation and dermal exposure to cobalt can result in sensitization. Bronchial asthma has been described in workers exposed to various forms of cobalt. Interstitial lung disease caused by metallic cobalt particles is an occupational lung disease generally referred as hard metal lung disease. Mortality studies of the hard metal industry suggest an increase in lung cancer mortality. Inhalation of cobalt particles results in disposition in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Workers exposed occupationally to airborne cobalt had higher tissue levels of cobalt when examined at death. Lung concentrations of cobalt are significantly higher in copper smelter workers, metal workers and coal miners who were occupationally exposed compared with non-occupationally exposed workers. In copper smelter workers, no increases in liver or kidney cobalt levels were observed with controls. Metal workers had increased cobalt levels in lymph nodes, liver, spleen and kidneys. ANIMAL STUDIES: Chronic inhalation exposure to cobalt metal has caused lung cancer in rats and mice, as well as systemic tumors in rats. There were distinct sites of toxicity and carcinogenicity noted following exposure to cobalt metal. In rats, carcinogenicity was observed in the blood and pancreas, and toxicity was observed in the testes of rats and mice. Groups of 10 male and 10 female hooded rats were treated with a single intramuscular injection of cobalt metal powder. Within 122 weeks both males and females developed sarcomas, mostly rhabdomyosarcomas at the injection site. Metallic cobalt was implanted in the femoral artery of two groups of rabbits. No tumors were observed three years post-implantation. A follow up study of these survivors at 6 years revealed sarcomas and the site of implantation in two cobalt metal treated rabbits. Hard cobalt metal is more genotoxic than cobalt compounds in in vitro systems. Cobalt metal was mutagenic in S. typhimurium strain TA98 in the absence of exogenous metabolic activation (S9); no activity was seen in the presence of S9. Cobalt metal induced a small increase in mutant colonies in strain TA100 in the absence of S9, and no mutagenic activity was seen with S9. No mutagenic activity was detected in E. coli strain WP2 uvrA/pKM101 with or without S9. Results of peripheral blood erythrocyte micronucleus tests in male and female mice in the 3 month study were negative.

The mean daily dietary intake of cobalt for selected population groups in Canada (1 to 65+ years of age) varies from 7 to 15 ug/day(1). The average daily intake of cobalt in France was estimated to be 29 ug/day(2). / Total cobalt from cobalt compounds /

Cough. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Wheezing.

Redness.

Abdominal pain. Vomiting.

Cough, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), wheezing, decreased pulmonary function; weight loss; dermatitis; diffuse nodular fibrosis; resp hypersensitivity, asthma

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Status of Agents Search page, which tabulates the results and current status of tests such as "Short-Term Toxicity Studies", "Long-term Carcinogenicity Studies", "Developmental Studies", "Genetic Toxicology Studies", etc., performed with this chemical. Testing status for cobalt is available.[Available from, as of March 24, 2017: https://ntpsearch.niehs.nih.gov/?e=True&ContentType=Testing+Status]

The following medical procedures should be made available to each employee who is exposed to cobalt metal fumes and dust at potentially hazardous levels. Initial medical examination: A complete history and physical examination: The purpose is to detect conditions that might place the exposed employee at increased risk, and to establish a baseline for future health monitoring. Examination of the respiratory system should be stressed. The skin should be examined for evidence of chronic disorders. 14x17 inch chest roentgenogram: Cobalt may cause human lung damage. Surveillance of the lungs is indicated. Forced Vital Capacity and Forced Expiratory Volume (1 sec): Cobalt is reported to decrease pulmonary function. Periodic surveillance is indicated. Periodic medical examination: The aforementioned medical examinations should be repeated on an annual basis. /Cobalt metal fume and dust/

Cobalt-exposed workers with inexplicable respiratory symptoms should be closely monitored and the exposure should be suspended.

The following drug products were withdrawn or removed from the market because such drug products or components of such drug products have been found to be unsafe or not effective. The following drug products may not be compounded under the exemptions provided by section 503A(a) or section 503B(a) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: ... Cobalt. All drug products containing cobalt salts (except radioactive forms of cobalt and its salts and cobalamin and its derivatives). /Cobalt/

The drugs listed in this paragraph have been determined by rulemaking procedures to be new drugs within the meaning of section 201(p) of the act. An approved new drug application under section 505 of the act and part 314 of this chapter is required for marketing the following drugs: ... Cobalt preparations intended for use by man. /Cobalt/

Substances classified as driers, when migrating from food-packaging material shall include: cobalt caprylate, cobalt linoleate, cobalt naphthenate and cobalt tallate. /Cobalt driers/

Subperiosteal implant material is a device composed of titanium or cobalt-chrome-molybdenum intended to construct custom prosthetic devices which are surgically implanted into the lower or upper jaw between the periosteum (connective tissue covering the bone) and supporting bony structures. The device is intended to provide support for prostheses, such as dentures. /Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy/

For more FDA Requirements (Complete) data for Cobalt, elemental (51 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Cobalt is included on this list. Effective date: 6/1/87; Sunset date: 6/1/97.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Cobalt is included on this list.

Cobalt is used to make superalloys (alloys that maintain their strength at high temperatures approaching their melting points) and in pigment manufacture.

Occupational asthma reported in hard metal grinders and diamond polishers; [Malo] Allergic contact dermatitis in electronics workers; [Marks] Cobalt skin allergy often accompanies chromium and nickel sensitization. Cobalt skin allergy affects workers in several industries (hard-metal, construction, electronics, dental alloys, cement, pottery, glass, electroplating, and batteries). [Kanerva, p. 505] Also used in orthopedic prostheses, glass and paint pigments, and catalysts; it may be released in emissions from burning fossil fuels. Cobalt is an essential nutrient in the human diet in the form of Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). Radioactive cobalt is used in medicine and food/equipment irradiation. [ATSDR ToxProfiles] In industry, mainly used to make alloys and hard metal (powder preparation, pressing, and shaping); Hard metals contain tungsten carbide (90%) and cobalt metal (10%); CoCrMo (Vittalium) is an alloy used in joint replacements; May be added to fertilizers for low-cobalt soils; [Nordberg, p. 743-5] Cobalt oxides (may refer to CoO, Co2O3, and Co3O4) used in ceramic and enamel pigments, oil refining, batteries, cobalt refining, digital video cassettes, tool & die materials, and animal nutrition; [ACGIH]

Acid and Alkali Cleaning of Metals [Category: Clean]

Ceramics making [Category: Hobbies]

Chemical (cobalt salts, oxidizing agent); electroplating ceramics; lamp filaments; catalyst (sulfur removal from petroleum, Oxo process, organic synthesis); trace element in fertilizers; glass; drier in printing inks, paints, and varnishes; color; cements. Principal use in alloys, especially cobalt steels for permanent and soft magnets and cobalt-chromium high-speed tool steels. Cemented carbides, jet engines, coordination, and complexing agent.

Cobalt nanoparticles are used in medical applications (e.g., sensors, magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement, and drug delivery), and cobalt nanofibers and nanowires are used in industrial applications.

(2000) 2,630 metric tons

(2001) 3,210 metric tons

(2002) 2,080 metric tons

(2003) 2,710 metric tons

For more U.S. Exports (Complete) data for Cobalt, elemental (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

(1972) 6.47X10+9 G

(1975) 2.9X10+9 G

(2000) 8,770 metric tons

(2001) 9,410 metric tons

For more U.S. Imports (Complete) data for Cobalt, elemental (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2023: 25,000,000 - <40,000,000 lb

/Primary/ domestic mine production ceased at the end of 1971.

The United States did not mine or refine cobalt in 2004; however, negligible amounts of byproduct cobalt were produced as intermediate products from some mining operations. U.S. supply comprised imports, stock releases, and secondary materials, such as cemented carbide scrap, spent catalysts, and superalloy scrap.

(1986) 10 thousand - 500 thousand pounds

(1990) 10 thousand - 500 thousand pounds

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for Cobalt, elemental (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

In 1982, about three quarters of the USA consumption of cobalt was in the production of steel and alloys, esp in so called superalloys used in jet engines and in magnetic materials used for various electronic applications. The remaining quarter went to different types of salts and driers.

Superalloys, mainly for industrial and aircraft gas turbine engines, 37%; Magnetic materials, 17%; Driers, 10%; Catalysts, 10%; Metal cutting and mining tool bits, 6%; and Other, 23% (1985)

Superalloys used mainly in industrial and aircraft gas turbine engines accounted for about 38% of reported consumption; paint driers, 15%; magnetic alloys, 12%; catalysts, 9%; and other, 26%. Total estimated value of cobalt consumed in 1988 was $130 million.

More than 70 industrial consumers were surveyed on a monthly or annual basis. Data reported by these consumers indicate that approximately 44% of U.S. cobalt use was in superalloys, which are used mainly in aircraft gas turbine engines; 9% was in cemented carbides for cutting and wear-resistant applications; 21% was in various other metallic uses; and the remaining 26% was in a variety of chemical uses. The total estimated value of cobalt consumed in 2004 was $500 million.

For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for Cobalt, elemental (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Cobalt is normally associated with copper or nickel; mined ore often contains only 0.1% elemental cobalt. About 44% of world production of cobalt comes from nickel ores. Cobalt is extracted from the metals in the ore by both flotation (sulfide ores) and gravity (arsenide ores); roasting or acid leaching is necessary to concentrate the cobalt. Cobalt is also extracted from the ore and concentrated by pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and electrolytic processes alone or in combination.

From ore concentration by roasting followed (1) by thermal reduction by aluminum; (2) by electrolytic reduction of solutions of metal; or (3) by leaching with either ammonia or acid in an autoclave under elevated temperatures and pressures and subsequent reduction by hydrogen.

Cobalt powder can be produced by a number of methods, but those of industrial importance involve the reduction of oxides, the pyrolysis of carboxylates, and the reduction of cobalt ions in aqueous solution with hydrogen under pressure. Very pure cobalt powder is prepared by the decomposition of cobalt carbonyls.

Available forms: Rondels (1 in x 3/4 in), shot, anodes, 150 and finer mesh powder, to 99.6% purity, ductile strips (95% cobalt, 5% iron) and high purity strips, 99.9% pure, single crystals.

Cobalt Brass: 52% copper, 17-25% zinc, 22-30% cobalt

Cobalt Steel: 34.5% cobalt

Cobalt chromium molybdenum steels: an alloy of iron with 3.05% molybdenum, 2.16% chromium, 1.33% cobalt, 0.65% carbon

For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for Cobalt, elemental (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing

Cobalt: ACTIVE

Magnets: Permanent magnets known as Alnico magnets 2, 4, and 5 are made by pressing and sintering powder mixtures. These materials are alloys of aluminum, nickel, and iron with additives such as cobalt, copper, and titanium. ... Rare Earth Magnets: The combination of rare earths with cobalt exhibits magnetic flux 4-19 times greater than conventional Alnico magnets. ... The rare earth cobalt alloy powders are compacted in a mechanical press and sintered in argon or nitrogen at 1,100-1,200 °C. ... Samarium, mischmetal, and praseodymium are mostly used.