Cobalt
Natural element used in pigment manufacture as well as to produce superalloys, which have various industrial and military applications. There are many unstable or radioactive isotopes of cobalt used for commercial and medical purposes, however these are rarely encountered in drinking water. Cobalt is essential to human health as a component of vitamin B12, though there is some evidence of adverse health effects following chronic oral exposure.
EPA MCLG Level
0.002 ppb
Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science
Health Effects
Cobalt is essential to human health as a component of vitamin B12. According to the CDC, there are no adequate studies available on the oral toxicity of cobalt or cobalt compounds in humans and animals over a long time period. Health protective levels for cobalt in drinking water are therefore based on insight from acute exposure studies that found adverse effects on thyroid functioning and blood system effects (polycythemia). Allergic dermatitis is an additional sensitive endpoint in acute exposure studies.
Affected Organs & Systems:
Common Sources
- Natural erosion, volcanic eruptions, seawater spray, and forest fires may release cobalt into the environment
- Anthropogenic sources of cobalt that can contaminate source waters include coal-fired power plants and incinerators, vehicular exhaust, phosphate fertilizers, sewage, the mining and processing of cobalt-containing ores, and the production and use of cobalt alloys and chemicals
How to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Cobalt:
EPA MCLG Level
The EPA MCLG represents the maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest scientific research. It's often more protective than federal legal limits.
Contaminant Type
Cobalt is classified as a Metals contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the thyroid, blood.
Check Your Water
Find out if Cobalt is in your tap water.
Search Your CityTest Your Water for This Contaminant
Public water reports may not test frequently enough or at your specific tap. Professional home testing provides current, location-specific results.
SimpleLab
Standard Home Water Test
$232
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$369
Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$636
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.