cobalt poisoning

cobalt poisoning,

poisoning from long-term excessive exposure to cobalt, seen in those who work with it. It was formerly seen in beer drinkers because cobalt was added to beer as a foam stabilizer. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, nerve deafness, and cardiomyopathy.

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cobalt

a chemical element, atomic number 27, atomic weight 58.933, symbol Co. A component of vitamin B₁₂. See Table 6.

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cobalt-57

a radioisotope of cobalt having a half-life of 270 days; used as a label for cyanocobalamin. Symbol ⁵⁷Co.

cobalt-60

a radioisotope of cobalt having a half-life of 5.27 years and a principal gamma ray energy of 1.33 MeV; used as a radiation therapy source. Symbol ⁶⁰Co.

cobalt nutritional deficiency

causes anorexia and poor weight gain. Identification of the disease is based on chemical analysis of pasture and soil and biochemical analysis of animal tissues and fluids. Called also enzootic marasmus, Grand Traverse disease and other regional names.

cobalt poisoning

accidental overdosing with cobalt causes listlessness, weight loss and incoordination.