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Cobalt asthma--a case series from a cobalt plant
1Clinic of Occupational Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, 33521 Tampere, Finland. riitta.sauni@ttl.fi
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|March 24, 2010
Summary
Occupational cobalt asthma incidence correlates with exposure levels, particularly where irritant gases are present. Even small cobalt amounts can harm susceptible workers, with symptoms persisting post-exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Cobalt exposure is linked to respiratory issues like asthma and skin conditions.
- Existing data on cobalt-induced asthma primarily comes from case reports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize occupational cobalt asthma cases in a cobalt plant.
- To assess cobalt asthma incidence across departments based on exposure data.
- To evaluate cases at diagnosis and six months later.
Main Methods:
- Identified cobalt asthma cases via specific bronchial challenge tests.
- Conducted study in the Kokkola cobalt plant with monitored exposure levels.
- Followed up with patients six months post-diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Diagnosed 22 cases of cobalt asthma between 1967 and 2003.
- Observed predominantly late or dual asthmatic reactions on challenge tests.
- Incidence was highest in departments with elevated cobalt and irritant gas exposure.
- Non-specific hyperreactivity persisted or increased at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Cobalt asthma incidence correlates with departmental cobalt exposure levels.
- Irritant gases may amplify cobalt asthma risk, even at low cobalt concentrations.
- Asthma symptoms can persist even after ceasing occupational cobalt exposure.
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