You can also be exposed to cobalt by breathing air or drinking water. Food is a primary source through which you can be exposed to low levels of cobalt.It is a part of vitamin B 12 which is crucial to human health at recommended levels. 57Co is used in medical and scientific research.Ĭobalt is beneficial to human health in minimal quantities but can be harmful in large amounts. 60Co (read as cobalt sixty) is used for sterilizing medical equipment and consumer products, radiation therapy for treating cancer patients, manufacturing plastics, and irradiating food to increase shelf life. Radioactive cobalt is used for commercial and medical purposes. Several radioactive isotopes of cobalt exist. Cobalt exists in both radioactive and non-radioactive forms. This chemical has been found in at least 426 of the 1,636 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At sufficiently high levels, cobalt adversely affects respiratory and hematological systems. Vitamin B 12, which is essential for good health at low levels, contains cobalt. The general population is exposed to low levels of cobalt in air, water, food, and cosmetics. Cobalt is also used as a drier for porcelain enamel and paints. Cobalt compounds are used to color glass, ceramics, paints, and cosmetics. Alloys produced with cobalt metal are used in the manufacture of aircraft engines, magnets, grinding and cutting tools, and medical devices and prosthetics.
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