[n] (trademark) a cobalt-base alloy with chromium and other metals; very hard; used to make cutting tools and for surfaces subject to heavy wear
Chronic health effects specific to an element may be difficult to detect due to the numerous elements in this alloy. Chronic inhalation effects may include chronic obstructive lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, rhinitis and/or bronchitis. Chronic occupational exposure to cobalt has been associated with polycythemia (an increase in the total cell mass of the blood), bloody urine, and goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland).