Sources/Uses
Used to harden platinum alloys for pen points, compass bearings, electrical contacts, laboratory ware, extrusion dies, and jewelry; [HSDB]
Comments
Iridium salts can cause immunologic, occupational contact urticaria; [Kanerva, p. 219] "The metals in this group [platinum, palladium, iridium, osmium, rhodium, and ruthenium] generally are nontoxic in the metallic state, but the soluble halide salts (particularly of Pt) and osmium tetroxide are highly reactive. Exposure to these elements results in hypersensitivity allergic reactions in susceptible individuals." [Sullivan, p. 911] See "Iridium-192."