A case of cobalt-induced occupational asthma.
- Author:
Jong Woo LEE
1
;
Yien Soon AN
;
Hyung No LEE
;
Jung Hee CHOI
;
Yu Jin SUH
;
Young Mok LEE
;
Dong Ho NAHM
;
Hae Sim PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Korea. dhnahm@madang.ajou.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
hard metal;
cobalt;
occupational asthma
- MeSH:
Alloys;
Asthma;
Asthma, Occupational*;
Bronchoconstriction;
Cobalt;
Dermatitis;
Diamond;
Dyspnea;
Household Products;
Humans;
Lung Diseases, Interstitial;
Metals;
Occupational Exposure;
Patch Tests;
Rhinitis;
Skin;
Sneezing;
Young Adult
- From:Journal of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology
2002;22(3):590-594
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Cobalt is known as a hard metal used in cement and various household products. Occupational exposure occurs during the production of cobalt powder, the processing of hard metals, the polishing of diamonds, and the processing of cobalt alloys. There have been cases of cobalt induced interstitial pneumonitis, occupational asthma, and allergic dermatitis. We report a 21-year-old patient with rhinitis and asthma induced by cobalt in a factory manufacturing diamond-cutter made from hard metal. The patient complained of rhinorrhea, sneezing, and dyspnea 5 months after working in the diamond-cutting industry. Skin prick test and patch test with cobalt(CoCl2) showed negative responses. Bronchoprovocation with CoCl2 showed a early asthamtic response. In conclusion, we report a case of cobalt-induced occupational rhinitis and asthma who worked in a factory manufacturing diamond-cutter. Further studies will be needed to investigate the pathogenesis of bronchoconstriction induced by cobalt.
