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Cobalt lung in diamond polishers
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Cobalt exposure from diamond polishing tools caused interstitial lung disease in five workers. Prompt removal from exposure led to symptom relief and improved lung function.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Diamond polishers can be exposed to cobalt, a metal not alloyed to hard metal carbides.
- High-speed grinding tools with microdiamond polishing surfaces cemented in cobalt pose an exposure risk.
Observation:
- Five diamond polishers developed interstitial lung disease linked to cobalt exposure.
- Symptoms included rhinitis, cough, chest tightness, dyspnea, anorexia, and weight loss, worsening with inadequate ventilation.
- Mineralogic analysis confirmed cobalt as the sole toxic agent in lung tissue, lavage fluid, and environmental dust.
Findings:
- Subacute and chronic interstitial lung disease patterns were observed, with fibrosing alveolitis in the centrilobular zones.
- Subacute cases showed mononuclear cell infiltrate, desquamation, and giant cells; chronic cases exhibited fibrosis and microcysts.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid contained multinucleated giant cells, indicating an inflammatory response.
Implications:
- Occupational cobalt exposure is a significant risk factor for interstitial lung disease.
- Early diagnosis and removal from exposure are crucial for managing cobalt-induced lung disease.
- Adequate ventilation systems are essential to mitigate exposure risks in diamond polishing environments.