Platinum, soluble salts

Synonyms

Platinum salts;

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Appearance and odor vary depending upon the specific soluble platinum salt. [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Platinum is used as a catalyst in petroleum refining and in catalytic converters for automobile exhaust. [ACGIH] Platinum is used in the following industries: automotive, chemical, petroleum, electrical, jewelry, pharmaceutical, ceramics, dental, and plastics. [Harber, p. 473] Platinum chloride used in photography (toner and platinum printing); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Workers are exposed to platinum in plants for the production and recycling of catalytic converters; [Reference #2]

Comments

The allergenic compounds appear to be limited to the "coordination complexes containing halogen ligands as leaving groups" with the most potent examples being hexa- and tetrachloroplatinates. [Nordberg, p. 1138] Occupational asthma reported in platinum refinery; [Malo] Allergic contact dermatitis in electronics workers; [Marks] Platinum salts can cause immunologic, occupational contact urticaria; [Kanerva, p. 219] There is evidence from pharmacologic use that platinum is nephrotoxic. [Rosenstock, p. 572]

Reference Link #1

Biomedical References

Insufficient data

0.002 mg/m3, as Pt(soluble salts), 1 mg/m3(metal)

0.002 mg/m3,as Pt(soluble salts)

Ceiling = 0.002 mg/m3 (chloroplatinates)

4 mg/m3, as Pt(soluble salts)

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Basis for original (SCP) IDLH: Air concentrations at or slightly above the OSHA PEL for soluble platinum salts can elicit an allergic response in sensitized workers. Therefore, the IDLH cannot be set to protect these sensitized individuals. The available toxicological data do not indicate any toxic effects in nonsensitized individuals. Because there is no evidence of an IDLH for nonsensitized individuals, for this draft technical standard, respirators have been selected on the basis of the assigned protection factor afforded by each device up to 2,000 times the OSHA PEL of 0.002 mg Pt/m3 (i.e., 4 mg Pt/m3); only the "most protective" respirators are permitted for use in concentrations exceeding 4 mg Pt/m3.

Explanatory Notes

Melting Point = 1772 degrees C.

Reference Link #2

Yes

Yes

Yes

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Contact dermatitis, allergic
• Contact urticaria

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Metal Extraction and Refining
• Petroleum Production and Refining
• Photographic Processing
• Semiconductor Manufacturing

Activities

Activities with risk of exposure:

• Applying metallic patinas
• Jewelry making