Cobalt enters the environment from natural sources and from the burning of coal and oil. Cobalt stays in the air for a few days. Pure cobalt does not dissolve in water, but some of its compounds do. Cobalt can stay for years in water and soil. It can move from the soil to underground water.
Cobalt is taken up by plants from the soil.
Everyone is exposed to cobalt at low levels in air, water, and food. People who live near hazardous waste sites containing cobalt may be exposed to higher levels of this chemical. Food is another source of exposure to cobalt. Workers may be exposed to cobalt in industries that process it or make products containing cobalt. Cobalt has both beneficial and harmful effects on human health.