| Abstrakt: |
This section focuses on the history of vanadium and its toxicological properties. Vanadium is a Group VB transition element, and as such, can exist in multiple valence states in both anionic and cationic forms. The combustion of fossil fuels and the use of vanadium-bearing ores for steel production and chemical processes represent identifiable sources for both an occupational risk of exposure to vanadium-bearing gases/particles and for the delivery of same into the surrounding environs. The levels of vanadium in water depend upon geographical considerations and often vary widely as a result of effluents and leachates entering the water table. Food represents the primary source of non-inhalation vanadium intake in both humans and animals. Unlike copper, lead, and tin, whose increased presence in consumable products arises from either purposeful supplementation or from product-induced container leaching, the major contaminating source of foodstuffs by vanadium is soil. The degree of clearance of vanadium is dependent upon the solubility of the vanadium compound inhaled. In the event of oral ingestion of vanadium from contaminated water, soils, or foodstuffs, or by swallowing vanadium-containing sputum, absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is quite low, irrespective of the parent compound. |
