is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Treatment for signs of cobalt toxicity from a metal-on-metal hip implant may include removing the implant and replacing it with a traditional hip implant.Ī.D.A.M., Inc. In the rare case that you have large levels of cobalt in your blood, you may need hemodialysis (kidney machine) and get medicines (antidotes) to reverse the effects of the poison. Blood and urine tests, x-rays and ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing) may be performed. Treatment for swallowed cobalt: The health care team will treat your symptoms and order some blood tests. Blood and urine tests, x-rays and ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing) may be done. Breathing treatments and medications to treat swelling and inflammation in your lungs may be prescribed. Treatment for lung involvement: Breathing problems will be treated based on your symptoms. The area may be washed and a skin cream may be prescribed. Treatment for skin contact: Since these rashes are rarely serious, very little will be done. If you swallowed a large amount of cobalt, or you are starting to feel sick from long-term exposure, you should go to an emergency room. Cardiomyopathy (a problem where your heart becomes big and floppy and has problems pumping blood).However, absorbing a large amount of cobalt over longer periods of time can lead to serious health problems, such as: Swallowing a large amount of absorbable cobalt at one time is very rare and is likely not very dangerous. If you breathe in this substance for long periods, you will likely develop breathing problems that are similar to asthma or pulmonary fibrosis, such as shortness of breath and decreased exercise tolerance.Ĭobalt poisoning that occurs from constant contact with your skin will likely cause irritation and rashes that go away slowly. Breathing in this cobalt dust can lead to chronic lung problems. This usually will only happen in industrial settings where large amounts of drilling, polishing, or other processes release fine particles containing cobalt into the air. The most worrisome form of cobalt poisoning occurs when you breathe it into your lungs. However, it is possible to have some symptoms if you swallow a large amount of cobalt at one time. Usually you have to be exposed to high levels of cobalt for weeks to months to have symptoms. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-80) from anywhere in the United States. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. These metal particles (ions) can get released into the hip socket and sometimes the bloodstream, causing cobalt toxicity. Sometimes, metal particles (cobalt) are released as the metal ball grinds against the metal cup when you walk. This type of implant is an artificial hip socket that is created by fitting a metal ball into a metal cup. You can swallow it, breathe it into your lungs, or have it come in constant contact with your skin.Ĭobalt poisoning can also occur from the wear and tear of some cobalt/chromium metal-on-metal hip implants. There are three basic ways that cobalt can cause poisoning. Cobalt poisoning can occur when you are exposed to large amounts of it. Very small amounts are needed for animals and humans to stay healthy. Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12, which supports the production of red blood cells. It is a very small part of our environment. Cobalt is a naturally occurring element in the earth's crust.
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