HOW IS TUNGSTEN USED?
Tungsten alloys are good conductors of electricity, and used primarily to increase the toughness and strength of steel. The most common tungsten product, cemented tungsten carbide, is used to make grinding wheels and cutting or forming tools. Tungsten powder is used as a lead replacement in bullets. However, firing of a tungsten/nylon bullet introduces tungsten and other projectile related metals into the environment. How does exposure to tungsten affect human health? The toxicology of tungsten depends on the route of administration, the solubility of the constituent and the duration of exposure. Occupational exposure via the inhalation pathway has revealed elevated levels of pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung tissue) and other effects including asthma and inflammation of the nose tissues. Research also suggests that the combination of tungsten and other substances can be linked to the development of lung cancer. Some animal data suggests that tungsten could cause adverse develop
