[Metabolic status in workers engaged in the production of cobalt-containing powder compositions of hard alloys].

A wide-range complex of biochemical techniques was used to study metabolic processes in workers exposed to cobalt and ethanol. In practically healthy workers were found laboratory manifestations of hepato-biliary irritations, hyperpermeability of the hepatocytes' cytoplasmic membrane, cholestasis syndrome, initial manifestations of muscular dystrophy and minor signs of atherosclerosis risks. The biochemical shifts were like those in alcoholism cases. It was suggested that, under the existing technological conditions of cobalt-containing hard-facing alloys' powder processing, the action of ethanol increased the toxic effect of cobalt.