Yesterday it was safe, today it’s dangerous
Tungsten a metal used in a range of products from light bulbs to jewelry is now raising concerns as a potential health and environmental hazard, according to an article in Chemical and Engineering News. Considered for a long time to be insoluble in water and not toxic, the US military developed “green bullets” from Tungsten instead of lead. Researchers found that some forms of this metal can swiftly move through soil and groundwater. Tests linked Tungsten to stunted growth, reproductive problems and premature death. It will now be classified as an “emerging contaminant” of concern and further research will be conducted.
