Toxicity bismuth

Serfontein and Mekel found that a survey of the literature on bismuth toxicity in man in relation to blood-level data shows the necessity of distinguishing between lipid-soluble and water-soluble organic complexes of bismuth on the one hand, and the simple inorganic salts of bismuth on the other. A characteristic feature of the former, illustrated by the water-soluble bismuth complex triglycollamate, is the high bismuth levels and the nephrotoxic properties of the compound in man. Bismuth absorption after administration of the simple inorganic salts of bismuth is postulated to occur in the form of ionic bismuth. 

Bismuth is predominantly excreted via the kidney and would be expected to accumulate in patients with renal insufficiency. It is not impossible that combined exposure to bismuth and other metals could render the patient more susceptible to bismuth toxicity the parallels between the complications seen here and with other light metals (zinc, aluminium) are striking. 

There does not appear to be an antidote of choice for bismuth toxicity in humans. Gastric lavage can be used within 1 h of exposure. Replace fluids and electrolytes. Monitor renal and liver function for several days and treat failure conventionally. The newer chelating agents, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid and D,L-2,3-dimercapto-propane-l-sufonic acid, are being investigated experimentally as antidotes for bismuth toxicity, and the latter has been shown to be effective. In mice, D-penicillamine has proven effective. 

Although metallic bismuth is used in industry in different alloys, occupational intoxications by these alloys are rare and, in most instances, are caused by the presence of other metals such as lead or cadmium. In this respect, it might be concluded that bismuth toxicity in an industrial setting is nonexistent (Fowler and Vouk 1986). 

The authors suggest that the reduction in gastric acidity maintains TDB in its colloidal form, which is more likely to be absorbed, and that this may result in increased bismuth toxicity. Other H2-receptor antagonists, and other drugs that reduce gastric acidity would be expected to interact similarly (see also Bismuth compounds + Proton pump inhibitors , p.961). 

The mechanisms of bismuth toxicity have not been identified. Symptoms of bismuth poisoning include fever, weakness and rheumatism-like pain. Acute toxic effects, including renal failure, can develop following the ingestion of large concentrations of bismuth. Chronic exposure may cause gingivitis and black spots on the gums. 

The most commonly used Hquid metal is sodium—potassium eutectic. Sodium, potassium, bismuth, lithium, and other sodium—potassium alloys also are used. Mercury, lead, and lead—bismuth eutectic have also been used however, these are all highly toxic and appHcation has thus been restricted. 

Some metals used as metallic coatings are considered nontoxic, such as aluminum, magnesium, iron, tin, indium, molybdenum, tungsten, titanium, tantalum, niobium, bismuth, and the precious metals such as gold, platinum, rhodium, and palladium. However, some of the most important poUutants are metallic contaminants of these metals. Metals that can be bioconcentrated to harmful levels, especially in predators at the top of the food chain, such as mercury, cadmium, and lead are especially problematic. Other metals such as silver, copper, nickel, zinc, and chromium in the hexavalent oxidation state are highly toxic to aquatic Hfe (37,57—60). 

Some elements found in body tissues have no apparent physiological role, but have not been shown to be toxic. Examples are mbidium, strontium, titanium, niobium, germanium, and lanthanum. Other elements are toxic when found in greater than trace amounts, and sometimes in trace amounts. These latter elements include arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, silver, zirconium, beryUium, and thallium. Numerous other elements are used in medicine in nonnutrient roles. These include lithium, bismuth, antimony, bromine, platinum, and gold (Eig. 1). The interactions of mineral nutrients with... 

Arsenic Peroxides. Arsenic peroxides have not been isolated however, elemental arsenic, and a great variety of arsenic compounds, have been found to be effective catalysts ia the epoxidation of olefins by aqueous hydrogen peroxide. Transient peroxoarsenic compounds are beheved to be iavolved ia these systems. Compounds that act as effective epoxidation catalysts iaclude arsenic trioxide, arsenic pentoxide, arsenious acid, arsenic acid, arsenic trichloride, arsenic oxychloride, triphenyl arsiae, phenylarsonic acid, and the arsenates of sodium, ammonium, and bismuth (56). To avoid having to dispose of the toxic residues of these reactions, the arsenic can be immobi1i2ed on a polystyrene resia (57). 

Bismuth subsahcylate [14882-18-9] Pepto-Bismol, is a basic salt of varying composition, corresponding approximately to i9-H0CgH4C02(Bi0). Like a number of other insoluble bismuth preparations, it is not currentiy approved in the United States for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease but is under active investigation for this purpose (180). It does appear to be effective for the rehef of mild diarrhea and for the prevention of travelers diarrhea (181). The ready availabiUty of this dmg, however, may lead to its ovemse and result in toxic effects caused by both the saUcylate and bismuth components. It has been suggested that bismuth subsahcylate is somewhat effective in the symptomatic treatment of isosporiasis, a disease caused by the intracellular parasite Isospora belli (182). 

The final ceU product contains 250—300 g/L H2SO in the last stages of electrolyte purification, and antimony and bismuth precipitate, resulting in heavily contaminated cathodes that are recycled through the smelter. Arsenic and hydrogen evolved at the cathodes at these later stages react to form arsine, and hoods must be provided to collect the toxic gas. 

Emissions from other nonferrous metal facilities are primarily metal fumes or metal oxides of extremely small diameter. Zinc oxide fumes vary from 0.03 to 0.3 jiim and are toxic. Lead and lead oxide fumes are extremely toxic and have been extensively studied. Arsenic, cadmium, bismuth, and other trace metals can be emitted from many metallurgical processes. 

Adverse reactions of bismuth subsalicylate, include a temporary and harmless darkening of the tongue and stool and constipation. Salicylate toxicity (eg, tinnitus, rapid... 

Bismuth subsalicylate—Immediately report any symptoms of salicylate toxicity (ringing in the ears, rapid respirations). Chew tablets thoroughly or dissolve them in the mouth. Do not swallow tablets whole Stools may become dark. This is normal and will disappear when tiie drug therapy is discontinued. Do not take this drug with aspirin or aspirin products. 

Refining operations have two principal wastestreams, waste electrolyte and cathode and anode washwater. Spent electrolyte is normally recycled. A bleed stream is treated to reduce copper and impurity concentration. Varying degrees of treatment are necessary because of the differences in the anode copper. Anode impurities, including nickel, arsenic, and traces of antimony and bismuth, may be present in the effluent if the spent electrolyte bleed stream is discharged. Tables 3.14 and 3.15 present classical and toxic pollutant data for raw wastewater in this subcategory. 

Sanderson, G.C., S.G. Wood, G.L. Foley, and J.D. Brown. 1992. Toxicity of bismuth shot compared with lead and steel shot in game-farm mallards. Trans. North Amer. Natur. Resour. Conf. 57 526-540. 

Bismuth subsalicylate is often used for treatment or prevention of diarrhea (traveler s diarrhea) and has antisecretory, antiinflammatory, and antibacterial effects. Bismuth subsalicylate contains multiple components that might be toxic if given in excess to prevent or treat diarrhea. 

Owing to the toxicity of mercury and its disposal problem, solid electrodes are now very popular. In particular, electrodes made of carbon such as glassy carbon, graphite, carbon paste, and carbon fibers have gained popularity. Mercury, gold, bismuth, and other metals can be deposited as thin metal films on carbon and serves as thin metal film electrodes (TMFE) with excellent analytical advantages in trace metal analysis. The choice of working electrode is determined by the redox... 

The RoHS Directive was a major catalyst for research and adoption of lead-free solutions in electronic equipment. Alternatives to lead in soldering range from tin (Sn), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) to bismuth (Bi) and zinc (Zn). These heavy metals do not have the same toxicity and bioaccumulation potential of lead (Pb). ... 

Bismuth is flammable as a powder. The halogen compounds of bismuth are toxic when inhaled or ingested. Some of the salts of bismuth can cause metallic poisoning in a manner similar to mercury and lead. 

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