Educational content for trained professionals. Not a Safety Data Sheet, not medical advice. In an emergency, call your local poison control or emergency services immediately. Terms of use.
cobalt
Also known as: COBALT · 7440-48-4 · Cobalt, elemental · Cobalt-59
- CAS No.
- 7440-48-4
- Formula
- Co
- Molar mass
- 58.93319 g/mol
- PubChem CID
- 104730
Flammable
Toxic
Harmful / Irritant
Health hazard
Environmental hazard
Summary
cobalt (Co), CAS 7440-48-4. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.
Background
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Hazards
Ignites easily when exposed to a flame or spark.
May be fatal even in small doses.
May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.
Serious long-term health effects (CMR, respiratory sensitizer).
Toxic to aquatic organisms.
Hazard statements
- H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]
- H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]
- H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]
- H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]
- H360F: May damage fertility [Danger Reproductive toxicity]
- H413: May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
- H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
- H319
- H330
- H400
- H410
- H411
- H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
Storage
Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.
Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.
Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.
Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.
Personal protective equipment
Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.
Safety goggles with side shields.
A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.
Occupational exposure limits (HSE)
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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)
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Transport
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FDA recalls & enforcement
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Compatibilities
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Open comparator with cobaltPractical safety notes
- Flammable. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sparks. Ground containers when transferring.
- Acute toxicity. Work under a fume hood, restrict access, keep a specific antidote plan available.
- Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.
- Serious health hazard (carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic, respiratory sensitizer). Substitute if possible; otherwise closed systems and medical surveillance.
- Environmental hazard. Do not release to sewers or waterways; collect for hazardous waste disposal.
Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.
FAQ
Is cobalt flammable?+
Yes. cobalt (CAS 7440-48-4) carries the GHS02 flame pictogram. Keep it away from ignition sources, use non-sparking tools, and ground metal containers when transferring liquid.
What PPE should I wear when handling cobalt?+
Safety glasses with side shields and nitrile gloves are the baseline. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.
How should cobalt be stored?+
Store cobalt (CAS 7440-48-4) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Use a flammable-liquid cabinet and keep away from oxidizers and heat.
Is cobalt dangerous for the environment?+
Yes. cobalt carries the GHS09 environment pictogram. Do not release to drains, soil or waterways; collect residues for hazardous-waste disposal in line with local regulations.
Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for cobalt?+
Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.
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