Sommaire
Cobalt composition and where to find it
Cobalt is a transition metal close to iron. Its mineral compounds are :
- cobalt oxide ;
- cobalt sulfide ;
- cobalt nitrate ;
- cobalt sulfate ;
- cobalt carbonate ;
- cobalt dichloride or cobalt chloride.
These metals and metallic substances are mainly used in the following sectors:
- aerospace industry ;
- electronics industry ;
- boating industry ;
- metallurgy ;
- glass and ceramics industry ;
- paint and varnish industry, etc.
Cobalt and its compounds are used in the manufacture of the following products and materials:
- alloys (chromium, nickel, aluminium, copper, tungsten, etc.) ;
- diamond polishing discs ;
- electrodes for lithium batteries ;
- pigments ;
- fertilizers, etc.
VLEP cobalt: 8-hour occupational limit value and short-term VLEP
Article R. 4412-4 of the French Labor Code defines occupational exposure limit values(VLEP) for chemical agents such as cobalt and its compounds.
Occupational exposure limit values for cobalt and its compounds (except cobalt associated with tungsten carbide) :
- VLEP-8 h = 0.0025 mg/m³ (0.0025 mg/m³)
- Short-term occupational limit value (STELV 15 min) = 0.0125 mg/m³
Assessing workers’ exposure to cobalt in the workplace
Cobalt and its compounds are chemical agents classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction). As such, they are subject to annual inspection by a COFRAC-accredited organization:
- at least once a year;
- in the event of a change likely to have an impact on worker exposure.
The VLEP for cobalt and its compounds is used as a reference when assessing workers’ exposure to pollutants in the workplace. Concentration measurements of pollutants in the workplace atmosphere are used to determine the appropriate risk prevention measures to be implemented.
CLP classification and labelling of cobalt
According to the CLP Regulation, the classifications and labelling of cobalt and its compounds (cobalt oxide, cobalt sulphide, cobalt dichloride, cobalt sulphate, cobalt nitrate and cobalt carbonate) are as follows:
- respiratory and skin sensitization ;
- acute inhalation toxicity ;
- carcinogenicity (cancer by inhalation) ;
- mutagenicity ;
- reproductive toxicity ;
- chronic toxicity to the aquatic environment.
What forms does cobalt come in and how is it processed?
Cobalt is generally found in the form of dust or contained in cutting oils. This pollutant is generated during machining, manufacturing or shaping operations, or during rework on materials containing or coated with cobalt.
Cobalt in dust form is processed on particulate filters of class H and/or HEPA H13 or H14 minimum.
You can find all our VOC treatment solutions on our website.
Where cobalt is dissolved in cutting oil mist, oil mist filters fitted with HEPA H13 or H14 high-efficiency filters should be used.
