Occupational exposure to cobalt is not associated with incipient signs of dilated cardiomyopathy in a Belgian refinery.

Background: Excessive absorption of cobalt has been associated with cases of dilated cardiomyopathy in the past, but it is unclear whether occupationally exposed populations are at risk.

Objective: To assess the possible relationship between occupational exposure to cobalt and incipient signs of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a cobalt production facility in Belgium constituting one of the largest occupational populations worldwide (n=256 male workers).

Absence of adverse effect on thyroid function and red blood cells in a population of workers exposed to cobalt compounds.

Context: Hypothyroidism has been observed in the fifties and sixties as an undesirable side-effect of cobalt therapy used for its erythropoietic properties in the treatment of anemia.

Objective: This study aims at evaluating the possible impact of both cumulative (long-term) and recent occupational exposure to cobalt on thyroid function and red blood cells.

Methods And Setting: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2008 to August 2009 in a population of 249 male workers from a cobalt production department in the North of Belgium.

Lung function changes in workers exposed to cobalt compounds: a 13-year follow-up.

The objective of the study was to examine the influence of cobalt exposure on lung function changes in workers from a cobalt-producing plant in a health monitoring program implemented between 1988 and 2001. A total of 122 male workers with at least 4 (median = 6) lung function tests (FEV(1) and FVC) during the follow-up period were assessed longitudinally. Cobalt exposure significantly decreased over the follow-up period, as reflected by the measurements in air and urine.

Epidemiological survey of workers exposed to inorganic germanium compounds.

Objectives: To assess occupational exposure to inorganic germanium (Ge) in workers from a producing plant, and to assess the health of these workers, with a special focus on respiratory, kidney, and liver functions.

Methods: Cross sectional study of 75 workers exposed to Ge and 79 matched referents. Exposure was characterised by measuring air and urine concentrations of the element during a typical working week, and health was assessed by a questionnaire, clinical examination, lung function testing, chest radiography, and clinical chemistry in serum and urine, including high and low molecular weight urinary proteins.