Niobium is a chemical element with atomic number 41. It is a transition metal found in the same periodic table group as tantalum (group 5, also known as the niobium group). Niobium is not typically found in its pure form in nature. Instead, it is usually found in minerals, often associated with tantalum.
Applications: Niobium is widely used in producing superconducting materials, particularly in manufacturing superconducting magnets for applications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and particle accelerators. Niobium is alloyed with other materials, like steel, to improve its strength and heat resistance. It is used in the aerospace and chemical industries for this purpose. Niobium is used in the production of capacitors and the development of high-performance electronic components. Niobium is sometimes used in jewelry making because it is hypoallergenic and can be anodized to produce a range of colorful surface finishes.
How does Niobium enter the environment?
Niobium can enter the environment through various natural and human activities, although its presence is generally quite low due to its relatively low natural abundance and limited industrial use. Niobium is not considered a major environmental pollutant, and its natural abundance in the Earth's crust is relatively low. As a result, the environmental impact of niobium is generally limited.
How is one exposed to Niobium?
Exposure to niobium typically occurs in specific occupational or industrial settings and using certain consumer products.
Occupational Exposure
- Mining and Ore Processing: Workers involved in extracting and processing niobium ores may be exposed to niobium-containing dust and fumes, especially if proper safety measures and ventilation are not in place.
- Manufacturing: People working in industries that use niobium, such as producing niobium-based alloys or superconducting materials, may be exposed to niobium during manufacturing. This exposure can occur through inhalation of niobium-containing particles or contact with niobium materials.
- Welding: Welders who work with niobium-containing materials may be exposed to niobium fumes when welding, which can result in inhalation exposure.
Consumer Products
- Jewelry: Niobium is sometimes used in jewelry, especially earrings and body piercings. While niobium is generally considered hypoallergenic and safe for most individuals, direct skin contact with niobium-containing jewelry can be a source of exposure.
- Electronic Devices: Niobium may produce specific electronic components and capacitors. Although exposure to consumer electronics is typically low and not a significant concern, it is possible to encounter niobium in this context.
Environmental Exposure
- Soil and Water: In areas with naturally occurring niobium-rich minerals or nearby mining activities, trace amounts of niobium may be present in soil and water. However, the levels are generally deficient and not a significant source of exposure for the general population.
Inhalation and Ingestion
- Inhalation: A standard route of exposure is breathing in dust or fumes containing niobium, which can occur in occupational settings.
- Ingestion: Ingesting food or water with trace amounts of niobium is another potential route of exposure, although dietary intake of niobium is generally minimal.
For the general population, exposure to niobium is typically low and not a primary health concern. Occupational exposure is of more significant concern, and appropriate safety measures are essential in industries where niobium is used. Wearing niobium-containing jewelry may lead to skin irritation for individuals with known sensitivities or allergies to niobium.
How can Niobium Affect Health?
Niobium is a relatively non-toxic element, and there is limited information regarding its health effects, as it is not typically encountered in its pure form in everyday life. In its elemental form, niobium is generally considered safe and is not known to harm human health. It is not considered an essential element for human biology; human bodies do not require niobium for normal functioning.
Inhalation Hazard: Inhalation of niobium dust or fumes from niobium compounds can irritate the respiratory system and cause symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Long-term exposure may lead to chronic lung conditions in some cases.
Allergic Reactions: While niobium is generally considered hypoallergenic, some individuals may develop skin allergies or sensitivities when directly contacting niobium-containing materials. This can occur when niobium is used in jewelry or other accessories that come into contact with the skin.
How can one determine if one has been exposed to Niobium?
We can measure the levels of Tungsten in blood and most biological materials.
Determination of metals is done by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled 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)!
