Common Name: Cobalt CAS Number: 7440-48-4 DOT Number: None Date: May, 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Cobalt can affect you when breathed in. * Exposure can cause a severe allergic lung reaction with coughing, wheezing, chest pain and shortness of breath. * Repeated exposure can cause scarring of the lungs (fibrosis) even if no symptoms are noticed. This can be fatal. * Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. High levels may cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). * Cobalt can cause a skin allergy to develop. * Exposure can damage the heart. * Fine powdered pure Cobalt metal can be a fire hazard at room temperature. * Some isotopes of Cobalt are RADIOACTIVE. IDENTIFICATION Cobalt is an odorless, metallic silver gray solid or small particles. It is used in steel alloys and jet engines, in nuclear technology and in cemented carbide abrasives and tools. Cobalt has several artificial radioactive isotopes, the most important being Cobalt 60. Cobalt 60 is a beta and gamma emitter and is used in radiation therapy, in level gauges and research. REASON FOR CITATION * Cobalt is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NFPA, NIOSH and EPA. Radioactive Isotopes of Cobalt are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. (Final Rule January 1989). ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Cobalt and at the end of the workshift. * A regulated, marked area should be established where radioactive Cobalt is handled, used, or stored. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Cobalt to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Cobalt: * Cobalt dust may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning feeling on contact. * Exposure to the dust and fumes can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. High levels can irritate the lungs, causing a build up of fluid (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Cobalt and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Cobalt compounds may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. Whether or not it poses a cancer hazard needs further study. * Exposure to ionizing radiation is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Some isotopes of Cobalt do emit ionizing radiation. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Cobalt has been tested and has not been shown to adversely affect reproduction in humans. Other Long Term Effects * Cobalt can cause a skin allergy. If an allergy develops, very low future exposures can cause itching and a skin rash. * Cobalt may cause an asthma like allergy. Future exposures can cause asthma attacks, with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and/or chest tightness. * Cobalt can damage the heart, causing heart failure. * Long term exposure may damage the thyroid and liver. * Repeated exposure can cause scarring of the lungs (pulmonary fibrosis) even if no symptoms are noticed. This can be disabling or fatal. MEDICAL Medical Testing For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Chest x ray for scarring should be done every two to three years after five or more years of exposure. * Lung function tests. * Evaluation for heart failure. If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may be useful: * Liver, thyroid, and lung function tests. * Evaluation by a qualified allergist, including careful exposure history and special testing, may help diagnose skin allergy. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH Occupational Hazard Assessment: Criteria for Controlling Occupational Exposure to Cobalt #82 107. * Guidelines and regulations for radioactive Cobalt have been established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (10 CFR 20). Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Cobalt should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Cobalt. * On skin contact with Cobalt, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. * On skin contact with Cobalt, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Cobalt, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not dry sweep for cleanup. Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during cleanup. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Cobalt is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Cobalt. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * Refer to 10 CFR 20 for specific quidelines on personal protection. Eye Protection * Wear dustproof goggles when working with fine powders or dusts, such as when grinding Cobalt, unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 0.05 mg/m3 to non radio active Cobalt, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. More protection is provided by a full facepiece respirator than by a half mask respirator, and even greater protection is provided by a powered air purifying respirator. Particulate filters must be checked every day before work for physical damage, such as rips or tears, and replaced as needed. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can taste or otherwise detect Cobalt, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters, to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode. * Exposure to 20 mg/m3 is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 20 mg/m3 exists use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. * Where the potential exists for exposure to radioactive Cobalt, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Cobalt DOT Number: None DOT Emergency Guide code: No Citation CAS Number: 7440-48-4 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJ DOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY Not Found Not Rated REACTIVITY Not Found Not Rated ---------------------------------------- DO NOT USE WATER MAY BE RADIOACTIVE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Cobalt is a non combustible solid. However, powdered Cobalt will ignite. * Use dry chemicals such as sand, dolomite, and graphite powder for extinguishing a powdered metal fire. DO NOT USE WATER. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Cobalt is spilled take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Collect the spilled material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers for reclamation or for disposal in an approved facility. * If spill involves radioactive Cobalt, evacuate area and delay clean up until properly instructed by qualified radiation authorities. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Cobalt as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Cobalt you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Cobalt is not compatible with OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES and NITRATES) and ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC). FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area with large amounts of soap and water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 0 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Water Solubility: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Cobalt Other Names and Formulations: Cobalt 59; C.I. 77320. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Cobalt is a natural element present in certain ores of the earth's crust, and is essential to life in trace amounts. It exists in the form of various salts. Cobalt and its salts are used in nuclear medicine, enamels and semiconductors, grinding wheels, painting on glass and porcelain, hygrometers and electroplating; as a foam stabilizer in beer, in vitamin B12 manufacture, as a drier for lacquers, varnishes, and paints, and as a catalyst for organic chemical reactions. It may enter the environment from industrial and municipal discharges, or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Cobalt and its salts have high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of cobalt and its salts to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Cobalt and its salts have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of cobalt and its salts to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY The water solubility of cobalt and its salts range from highly soluble to practically insoluble. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Cobalt and its salts are highly persistent in water, with a half- life greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of cobalt and its salts found in fish tissues is expected to be somewhat higher than the average concentration of cobalt in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S.