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  • Title: Occupational asthma caused by cobalt chloride in a diamond polisher after cessation of occupational exposure: a case report.
    Author: Krakowiak A, Dudek W, Tarkowski M, Swiderska-Kiełbik S, Nieścierenko E, Pałczyński C.
    Journal: Int J Occup Med Environ Health; 2005; 18(2):151-8. PubMed ID: 16201206.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: The inspiration of cobalt containing dust leads to various respiratory symptoms, including asthma and interstitial lung disease. Occupational asthma caused by cobalt chloride has been diagnosed in a 35-year-old patient, who worked as a diamond polishing disc former. The patient presented a 2-year history of dyspnea, cough and symptoms of rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patient underwent a medical history interview, skin prick tests with common and occupational allergens (cobalt and nickel chloride), and pulmonary function testing both before and after the nasal provocation with 0.05% cobalt chloride. Additionally, the authors analyzed morphological and biochemical changes before and after the specific nasal challenge test. Cell proliferation analysis was also carried out. RESULTS: Skin prick tests (SPTs) with common environmental allergens were found to be negative, while SPTs with cobalt chloride were positive for all applied solutions. The provocation with cobalt chloride caused a significant increase in the proportion of eosinophils, basophils and albumin during the late allergic reaction. The positive lymphocyte transformation caused by cobalt was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cobalt salts may induce occupational asthma. The mechanism of this asthma may be IgE-mediated. The cobalt-sensitized lymphocytes may play an important role in this disease.
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