Together with Rhodium, Ruthenium, Osmium, Iridium, and Platinum, palladium forms a group of elements referred to as the platinum group metals (PGM). Palladium is a bright silver-white metal with a cubic crystalline structure. At normal temperatures, it is particularly resistant to corrosion in the air and the action of acids. It forms many compounds and various salts. Palladium has a great ability to absorb hydrogen (up to 900 times its volume).
Applications of Palladium
Due to its corrosion resistance, palladium is used significantly in alloys and electrical contacts. Palladium forms a suitable catalyst when granular and accelerates hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. Palladium is widely used in jewelry, and some alloys are called "white gold." Sometimes, it replaces Platinum. It is used in watchmaking, springs, and scientific instruments. By the 1990s, most catalytic converters used Platinum to reduce emissions from automobile exhausts. However, Palladium has become the leading catalyst component because it more effectively removes unburnt and partially burned hydrocarbons from fuel.
Palladium is now increasingly used in electrical appliances, such as widescreen televisions, computers, and mobile phones.
Palladium is also used in dentistry in silver, gold, and copper alloys.
Impact of Palladium on human health
Palladium is considered low toxicity and is not easily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract when ingested. It can cause skin irritation and sensitization, eye irritation, and respiratory tract. As a liquid, it can cause burns on the skin and eyes.
Most people encounter palladium compounds relatively rarely. All Palladium compounds should be considered highly toxic and carcinogenic. Palladium chloride is toxic and harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It causes bone marrow, liver, and kidney damage in experimental animals. In the past, Palladium chloride was given as a treatment for tuberculosis, 0.065 g per day.
Palladium has little impact on the environment. It is found in low levels in some soils, while the leaves of trees contain 0.4 ppm of Palladium.
How can one determine if one has been exposed to Palladium?
We can measure Palladium levels in blood and most biological materials.
Determination of metals is done by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Argon 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 critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. 70% and 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting 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 based on each 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.
