Dysprosium is a very soft, glossy, silver metal. It is stable in air at room temperature even though it is slowly oxidized by oxygen. It reacts with cold water and dissolves rapidly in acids.
Dysprosium’s applications
Dysprosium is used in nuclear reactors as a ceramic-metal, a ceramic and molten metal composite, in the manufacture of laser materials and control rods for nuclear reactors, and as a source of infrared radiation for the study of chemical reactions. Another use in the field of radioactivity is in the manufacture of dosimeters to monitor exposure to ionizing radiation.
Dysprosium in the environment
Dysprosium is one of the most abundant elements of the lanthanides and is twice as abundant as Tin. Dysprosium is not found as a free element, but it is found in many minerals.
Impact of Dysprosium on human health
Dysprosium has no biological role. The soluble salts of Dysprosium are slightly toxic when ingested, while the insoluble salts are non-toxic.
Dysprosium does not appear to pose an environmental threat to plants and animals.
How can one determine if one has been exposed to Dysprosium?
We can measure dysprosium levels in the blood and most biological materials.
Determination of metals is done by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma Mass Spectrometry) a method that enables the simultaneous detection of many metals. Its sensitivity and accuracy are significantly better than conventional atomic absorption, with the ability to measure metals at concentrations up to 1 in 1015 (1 in 1 quadrillion, ppq)!
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
