Cobalt Chromium Metal Poisoning from Hip Replacements Cobalt chromium poisoning is a risk for anyone with a metal on metal (MoM) hip replacement. The numbers in brackets correspond with the list of references at the end of the article. [1] Sweden's Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Uppsala University Hospital warns that low levels of cobalt exposure negatively impact lung function. Cobalt has been added to pigments to produce a distinct blue color. In the medical field, cobalt-60 is used in radiotherapy and for sterilizing medical equipment. Other studies have linked cobalt to occupational asthma. Too much intake of cobalt may cause enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter). Occupational cobalt exposure is a known concern and part of a larger concern that includes exposure to other toxic metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. | About IYTmed.com Team. It is used in the body to assist take in and process vitamin B12. It is suggested that cobalt aids with repair of the myelin sheath, increases the effectiveness of glucose transportation from the blood into body cells, and the building of red blood cells. Cobalt may also increase blood sugar levels. Not treating this issue can cause congestive heart failure. Cobalt poisoning is intoxication caused by excessive levels of cobalt in the body. handling food cobalt or its compounds are present on the skin. Cobalt (Co) and its compounds are widely distributed in nature and are part of numerous anthropogenic activities. Heart and lung concerns have been shown to follow exposure to levels of cobalt near or even under current occupational exposure limits. Cobalt is acutely toxic in large doses, and in cumulative long-term, low level exposure, i.e occupational exposure from cobalt processing plants, hard metal industry, diamond polishing, and the ceramic industry. Wear and corrosion produce soluble metal debris in the form of nanoparticles that disseminate through the body via the lymph nodes and cardiovascular system, leading to toxicity. Have a question?Our customer care teamwould love to help! Cobalt is an essential element for health in animals in minute amounts as a component of Vitamin B 12. You can swallow too much of it, breathe too much into your lungs, or have it come in constant contact with your skin. Cobalt poisoning can also occur from the wear and tear of some cobalt/chromium metal-on-metal hip implants. Cobalt is toxic to the heart muscle. It can cause heart muscle disease (toxic cardiomyopathy) after too much exposure. Apart from that, cobalt is heavily involved in helping the body produce red blood cells also known as hemoglobin. A deficiency of cobalt is equivalent to a deficiency of vitamin B12, and can cause anemia, nerve conditions, and irregularities in cell development. What is Cobalt Used For in The Body – Cobalt Function. Recently it has been found that cobalt is necessary for the production of blood cells. [5], Advanced hip disease is a concern that generally requires a hip replacement and most hip replacements are made of cobalt and chromium. It contributes in maintaining your health. Industrial plants may leak cobalt and other toxic metals into the environment. We also don't show you Personalized Ads. Beet greens, buckwheat, cabbage, dulse, figs, goldenseal, Irish moss, kelp, lettuce, mushroom, pau d’Arco, sarsaparilla, spinach, watercress. When the body becomes exposed to these metals, a disruption of homeostasis causes oxidative stress, DNA damage, and serious degenerative diseases. If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. Trainers were warned of the severe side effects of its use, which included damaging the thyroid, cardiovascular system, nerve problems, and blood thickening. An increase in red blood cells (polycythemia) may be a symptom of too much cobalt. Participates in enzymatic processes. In Addition To Nickel (Ni) and Manganese (Mn), cobalt can be a good alternative for Zinc (Zn) in the carboxypeptidase, carbonic anhydrase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and metalloenzymes. Cobalt can enter the body through: Inhalation of dusts or mists. Dr. Steven Tower, an orthopedic surgeon in Alaska, recently gave a fascinating (and alarming) talk about the many neurological problems he has observed in hip patients with elevated cobalt levels in the body. This element is used in numerous industrial applications and nuclear power plants. At this time, much is unknown regarding toxic and carcinogenic effects of nanoparticles although studies have linked them to oxidative stress and redness.[9]. Cobalt likewise assists in repair work of myelin, which surrounds and protects afferent neuron. Small amounts of it are found in most rocks, soil, water, plants, and animals. Health effects. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cobalt is a component of vitamin B-12, which is required for good health. A significant health benefit of cobalt as a chemical element is that it helps the body utilize vitamin B in a proper manner. It is not easily assimilated in the body and is stored in red blood cells, liver, plasma, spleen, kidney, and pancreas. A component of vitamin B12 our scientific board of experts has double-checked article... Cobalt Function 3 ] occupational exposure limits | all Rights Reserved, the element toxic. Follow exposure to levels of cobalt may damage human health and environmental hazards which are communicated the! Vitamin B12 been evaluated by the food and Drug Administration and nuclear power plants | and! Not treating this issue can cause various acute and delayed neurological effects communicated... 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