Platinum group elements in the environment and their health risk

Abstract

Accumulation of platinum group elements (PGEs) in the environment has been increased over the time. Catalytic converters of modern vehicles are considered to be the main sources of PGE pollution, since the correlation is between the Pt:Rh ratios in various environmental compartments and in converter units. The present literature survey shows that the concentration of these metals has increased significantly in the last decades in diverse environmental matrices; like airborne particulate matter, soil, roadside dust and vegetation, river, coastal and oceanic environment. Generally, PGEs are referred to behave in an inert manner and to be immobile. However, there is an evidence of spread and bioaccumulation of these elements in the environment. Platinum content of road dusts can be soluble, consequently, it enters the waters, sediments, soil and finally, the food chain. The effect of chronic occupational exposure to Pt compounds is well-documented, and certain Pt species are known to exhibit allergenic potential. However, the toxicity of biologically available anthropogenic Pt is not clear. Hence, there is a need to study the effect on human health of long-term chronic exposure to low levels of Pt compounds.

Simulation on Toxic Gases in Vehicle Exhaust Equipped with Modified Catalytic Converter : A Review

“…Shahar and Majib (2007) [13] state that platinum (Pt) content of road dust which is partially soluble as the dust may dissolve in water, ground and also the food chain. On the other hand, Platinum Group Metal also has some side effects which can lead to asthma, hair loss effect, dermatitis and other critical health problem in human [14]. The installation of the converter using Platinum Group Metal as a catalyst is quite expensive in term of its fabrication process, which also produce exhaust combustion with a high concentration of plumbum or lead.…”

Nanoparticles and cars - analysis of potential sources

“…The authors state that over 60% of platinum group metals (PGMs) (Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Pd, and Pt) are used for the production of automobile catalytic converters [11,12]. These converters are constructed by deposition of PGMs on a honeycomb-cordierite substrate covered by a washcoat of cordierite and γ-Al 2 O 3 [11].…”

Harmful Interactions of Non-Essential Heavy Metals with Cells of the Innate Immune System

“…industrial, jewelry, anticancer drugs, etc. ), can also result in exposure to these metals [97]. They are also potent allergens and sensitisers, and are associated with asthma, nausea, increased hair loss, increased spontaneous abortion, dermatitis and other health problems in humans [98].…”