Cobalt-containing alloys and their ability to release cobalt and cause dermatitis.

Background: Cobalt, nickel, and chromium are important skin sensitizers. However, knowledge about cobalt exposure and causes of cobalt sensitization is limited.

Objectives: To study release of cobalt, nickel, and chromium from some cobalt-containing hard metal alloys and to test reactivity to the materials in cobalt-sensitized patients.

Methods: Discs suitable for patch testing were made of some hard metal alloys. Cobalt, nickel, and chromium release from the materials was determined by immersion in artificial sweat (2 min, 1 hr, 1 day, and 1 week). Patch test reactivity to the discs and to serial dilutions of cobalt and nickel was assessed in previously patch-tested dermatitis patients (19 cobalt positive and 18 cobalt-negative controls).

Results: All discs released cobalt, nickel, and chromium. Some discs released large amounts of cobalt (highest concentration: 290 microg/cm(2)/week). Seven discs elicited three or more positive test reactions.

Conclusions: The concentration of released cobalt was high enough to elicit allergic contact dermatitis in cobalt-sensitized patients. As the materials in the discs are used in wear parts of hard metal tools, individuals with contact allergy to cobalt may develop hand eczema when handling such materials.