Identifying Environmental and Occupational Exposure Risks to Suspected Carcinogens in Puerto Rico

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the 14th Report on Carcinogens (RoC). It contained newly reviewed substances that are known or reasonably anticipated to cause cancer in humans. Included in this list was the metallic element cobalt and cobalt compounds that release cobalt ions in vivo.
 
The National Toxicology Program (NTP), an interagency program whose mission is to evaluate agents of public health concern by developing and applying tools of modern toxicology and molecular biology, prepared the document. The NTP reports that cobalt and some cobalt compounds are being listed as reasonably anticipated to be carcinogens. Cobalt in the form of vitamin B12, which helps produce red blood cells and maintain the body’s nervous system, is not included in this listing since it does not release cobalt ions in the body.
 
“Cobalt is a naturally occurring metallic element that can be present in different forms in many industrial applications,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “It is mixed with other metals to make cemented carbides, bonded diamonds and alloys that can be used to make durable industrial, commercial and military products. Rechargeable batteries, some surgical orthopedic joint implants, and pigments used to make a rich blue color for glass, tiles and ceramics are a few of the products made with cobalt. In addition, many of the new green energy products on the market, including solar panels, car batteries for electric vehicles, and wind and gas turbines, are made with some forms of cobalt.”
 
Industrial plants and metal workshops that utilize cobalt or cobalt compounds can release it into the air and soil. Workers in these industries and people who live or work near areas where these substances are found could be at risk of increased exposure.
 
The environmental and occupational exposure experts at Zimmetry offer testing and monitoring services for cobalt, cobalt compounds and a wide range of other potentially hazardous materials for clients in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean. They also recently sponsored an educational video about exposure concerns to cobalt and cobalt compounds that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ZOWNiwNPAWE
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their occupational, industrial hygiene, environmental, air quality, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
 

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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