Question

Iridium is a hard, brittle, lustrous, dense, transition metal of the platinum family. It is silvery-white and it is notable for being the most corrosion resistant element known. It is unaffected by air, water and acids.

Applications

Nowadays demand for iridium comes mainly from the electronic industry, the automotive industry and from the chemical industry, where it is used to coat the electrodes in the chlor-alkali process, and in catalyst.
Some applications are in pivot bearings and in scientific and other special equipment, but it is principally used in alloys: osmium/iridium alloys are used for tipping fountain pen nibs and for compass bearings.

Iridium in the environment

The level of iridium in land plants is below 20 ppb. Iridium is found as uncombined element, and also as the iridium-osmium alloys osmiridium and idrosmine. Most of the iridium comes from South Africa. Annual world production amounts to around 3 tonnes. Reserves have not been estimated.

Health effects of iridium
Highly flammable.

Potential health effects: Eye: may cause eye irritation. Skin: low hazard for usual industrial handling. Ingestion: may cause irritation of the digestive tract. Expected to be a low ingestion hazard. Inhalation: low hazard for usual industrial handling.

Environmental effects of iridium
Do not allow product to reach ground water, water bodies or sewage system.

Using this link, write a brief summary of the Health Effects for your element:

using the information before



Using this link, write a brief summary of the Environmental Effects for your element:



Answers

GPT-4o mini
### Health Effects of Iridium

Iridium is considered to be a low hazard for usual industrial handling, although it can still pose some health risks. Exposure to iridium may cause eye irritation, and while the skin is not significantly affected during normal use, ingestion can lead to irritation of the digestive tract. Inhalation of iridium dust or particles also presents a low hazard under typical industrial conditions. Overall, iridium is viewed as having limited health risks when handled appropriately.

### Environmental Effects of Iridium

Iridium should not be allowed to reach groundwater, water bodies, or sewage systems, as it can have negative environmental impacts. Its corrosion-resistant nature may contribute to its persistence in the environment, making containment essential to prevent contamination of ecological systems. Proper management and disposal protocols are necessary to mitigate risks associated with iridium in the environment.

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