| Atomic Number: |
46 |
| Atomic Symbol: |
Pd |
| Atomic Weight: |
106.4 |
| Electron Configuration: |
[Kr]4d10 |
Palladium and its alloys
are used as catalysts in the petrochemical and automotive industries.
Emission from automobiles equipped with palladium-containing catalysts
range from 4 to 108 ng/km (2002, Inchem-Environmental Health Criteria
226). It is also used in electronics (cellular phones), electrical
contacts, jewellery, and dental appliances (ie.crowns and bridges).
Metal cations in dental alloys such as mercury and palladium are
continuously released and accumulate in the kidneys, liver, thyroid,
brain, CNS, etc. Mercury and palladium have high levels of galvanic
current densities when near other metals. This causes extensive
migration of mercury and palladium to saliva, tooth roots, jaw,
gums, and other parts of the body (Immunotoxicology of metals, Zur
Deutshcen Auszahe, 1996).
Palladium in dental alloys has been banned in Switzerland, and the
German Health Ministry has been warning dentists since 1993 not
to use palladium copper alloys. The warning against using palladium
alloys came as a result of lab tests that showed several toxic effects
of palladium such as its effects on gingival fibroblasts (J Dent
Res 1995;74:1513-1520), and on DNA damage (Free Radic Biol Med 1997;23:155-161)..
A high proportion of people who are allergic to nickel salts may
also react when tested with palladium salt. Reported reactions to
palladium metal, including sensitivity to contact with palladium
in dental and jewellery alloys, are very infrequent, and palladium
containing dental alloys continue to be employed. Due to the low
dissolution rate of palladium ions, the risk of using Pd in dental
casting alloys appears to be extremely low (J. Oral Rehabil 1996,
23:309-320).
Hair analysis can be used to detect early toxicity and chronic exposure
to palladium (Environ Health Perspect 1975;12:27-33).
Sample Requirements
(click on cell)
Reference range
|
Analyte
|
Hair
|
|
Palladium
|
0 - 1.88 nmol/g
|
** Reference range is
tissue dependent.
Method of Analysis:
High Resolution ICP/MS
Test available:
Monday - Friday 0800 - 1600 h
Turnaround Time: Average 5-10 days
Maximum 10 days
|
