Cerium is a supple, soft, ductile, gray metal, slightly harder than Lead. It is a very active metal: it easily tans the air and oxidizes slowly in cold water and quickly in hot water. It dissolves in acids.
Applications of Cerium
Cerium is used as a core in carbon electrodes, aluminum, and iron alloys, stainless steel as a curing agent, and permanent magnets. Cerium oxide is part of the catalytic converters' catalyst to purify car exhausts and catalyze the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) to nitrogen gas. All new cars are now fitted with a catalytic converter consisting of a ceramic or metal substrate, an aluminum and oxide coating of cerium, and a layer of thin metal such as platinum or rhodium, which is the active surface. Cerium sulfide can replace Cadmium in the red colors used to paint industrial materials, toys, household goods, and more, as Cadmium is now considered environmentally undesirable.
Other uses of Cerium include flat-panel televisions, low-power lamps, and magnetic optical digital disks.
Cerium in the environment
Cerium is the most abundant of rare-earth elements. Cerium comes mainly from lanthanide ores and some others.
Impact of Cerium on human health
Cerium is a rare chemical found in home appliances such as televisions, fluorescent lamps, energy-saving lamps, and glasses. All rare earth elements have comparable properties.
Cerium is particularly dangerous in the workplace because it can be inhaled by air. This can cause lung embolism, especially during long-term exposure. When it accumulates in the human body, cerium can threaten the liver. Normally, small amounts of Cerium that can accumulate in the bones are not considered dangerous.
We do not know precisely the biological role of Cerium. Still, it has been observed that Cerium salts stimulate metabolism and lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, appetite, and the risk of blood clotting.
Environmental Impact of Cerium
Cerium is dumped into the environment in many places, notably by the oil-producing industries. It can also enter the environment from discarded household equipment. Cerium gradually accumulates in soil and water, eventually increasing concentrations in humans, animals, and soil particles.
How can one determine if one has been exposed to Cerium?
We can measure cerium levels in the 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)!
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70% and 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted solely based on the numerical result of a single analysis. They should be interpreted in relation to each individual case, family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
