Palladium

Synonyms

Elemental palladium; Palladium metal;

Category

Elements, Metallic

Description

Steel-white metal that does not tarnish in air; Oxidation states: 2+ and 4+; [Nordberg, p. 1113]

Sources/Uses

Platinum, gold, and nickel ores contain palladium. Palladium has been used as a hydrogenation catalyst. [HSDB] One of 6 metals in the platinum group that also includes Rh, Ru, Ir, and Os; Highest use in electronic, dental, and catalytic products; Occupational exposures occur in mining and dental laboratories; Used as a catalyst in many industries; General public exposures occur from automobile catalytic converters, dental restorations, and jewelry; [Nordberg, p. 1113-20]

Comments

Possible skin sensitizer; Dust can be a fire and explosive hazard; [HSDB] Occupational asthma has been reported, but its incidence is very low. Palladium II chloride is a stronger skin sensitizer than nickel sulfate. [Nordberg, p. 1113, 1119] "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] Tram drivers in Rome were exposed to Pt, Rh and Pd from catalytic converters at levels about 10 times lower than those known to cause adverse effects in workers. [PMID 18849761] See "Palladium tetraamine dichloride."

Biomedical References

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Metal Extraction and Refining