Synonyms
Bismuth, elemental
Category
Elements, Metallic
Description
Gray-white, soft and brittle metal; [Merck Index, 1257]
Sources/Uses
Used as a metal alloy, catalyst, and semiconductor; Also used to make cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, thermocouplers, galvanometers, type metal for printing, solders, mirrors, and uranium fuel; [HSDB] Bismuth medications include bismuth subsalicylate used to treat traveler's diarrhea and bismuth subgallate used as an internal deodorant by patients with ileostomies and colostomies; [Goldfrank, p. 1233]
Comments
Bismuth is a "hepatotoxic agent." [Zimmerman, p. 4] Ingestion of high doses of bismuth may cause stomatitis, hyperpigmentation of oral mucosa, kidney dysfunction, myoclonus, and encephalopathy. [Ford, p. 740] Elemental bismuth is nontoxic. Bismuth salts are toxic after ingestion. In cases of acute poisoning after ingestion, patients suffer abdominal pain and acute renal failure. In cases of chronic poisoning after repeated ingestion of medications containing bismuth, encephalopathy has been reported. Lipid soluble, organic compounds such as bismuth subsalicylate and bismuth subgallate are toxic to the CNS; Water soluble, organic compounds such as bismuth triglycollamate are toxic to the kidneys; Insoluble, inorganic compounds such as bismuth subnitrate and bismuth subcarbonate have minimal toxicity. [Goldfrank , p. 1233-4]
Explanatory Notes
Melting point = 271 degrees C;
Neurotoxin
Other CNS neurotoxin
Hepatotoxin
Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: