Identifying and Preventing Exposure Risks to Cobalt and Cobalt Compounds

Just last month, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its 14th Report on Carcinogens (RoC) prepared by the National Toxicology Program (NTP). The document now includes 248 listings of agents, substances, mixtures and exposure circumstances that are known or reasonably anticipated to cause cancer in humans.

Added to the newest edition are cobalt and some cobalt compounds which are being listed as reasonably anticipated to be a known carcinogen. Cobalt is a naturally occurring metallic element that can be present in different forms. It is mixed with other metals to make cemented carbides, bonded diamonds and alloys that can be used to make durable industrial 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 some other products made with cobalt. A number of green energy products coming on the market such as solar panels, car batteries for electric vehicles, and wind and gas turbines are made with some forms of cobalt as well.

The NTP states that cobalt may enter the environment from both natural and human activities. Industrial plants can release cobalt and cobalt compounds into the air and soil. Individuals who work in the hard metal industry producing cobalt powder, working with diamond cutting wheels or polishing diamonds are potentially at high risk for exposure from inhalation of dust and fumes. The general population can be exposed to low levels of cobalt by consuming food or water that may be contaminated with cobalt.

“Cobalt and some cobalt compounds were just one group of seven newly reviewed substances that made the RoC this year,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we provide testing services for cobalt and cobalt compounds to help protect the public from environmental sources and workers from occupational exposure risks. Many of the other substances listed by the RoC can also be tested for at our environmental and industrial hygiene laboratories located across the United States and Canada.” 

EMSL has recently sponsored an educational video about cobalt and cobalt compound exposure concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ZOWNiwNPAWE.

To learn more about this or other occupational, environmental, air quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.
 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail