A Quick Overview; Chemical Properties, Health Effects, and Environmental Effects of Bismuth
Bismuth is a brittle, crystalline, white metal that is extensively used across cosmetics, alloys, ammunition, and fire extinguishers. It is best known as the main ingredient in stomach ache remedies such as Pepto-Bismol. Bismuth is also used in the chemicals, electronics, paints and coatings, and metallurgy as it is least toxic heavy metals. It is available in the form of powder, ingots, needle, and pellets and can be used in place of leads across various range of applications.
The thermal conductivity of bismuth is lower than any metal
except mercury. It has the highest Hall Effect of any metal and a high
electrical resistance. Bismuth is stable to water and oxygen but dissolves in
concentrated nitric air. Some bismuth compounds are manufactured and used as
pharmaceuticals. It is mainly manufactured as a by-product of smelting lead and
copper, especially in the United States of America.
Bismuth is relatively nontoxic, the least so of the heavy
metals. Soluble inorganic bismuth compounds are toxic. Although considerable
therapeutic use is found in bismuth and some of its compounds, some authorities
suggest that other remedies should be replaced. Bismuth and some of its
compounds can cause kidney damage, although the degree of such damage is
usually mild. Other toxic results, such as presence of albumin or other protein
substance in the urine, vague feeling of bodily discomfort, skin reactions,
diarrhea, and serious exodermatitis may develop.
Unlike nickel, mercury, lead, or other metals, there is no
significant health risk from touching bismuth or from vapors or ingesting small
amounts. It is actually the active ingredient in a popular brand of stomach
medicine. With the increasing application of bismuth from the automotive
industry (in brake linings, rust protection coatings, clutch pads, and
pearlescent coating) and increasing worldwide automotive sales, the demand for
bismuth is also increasing. For instance, the U.S. auto industry sold around
14.5 million light vehicle units in 2020.
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