What is Vanadium?

Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol V and atomic number 23. It naturally appears as white-to-grey metal compounds, often found as crystals, and has no smell when pure. It usually combines with elements like oxygen, sodium, sulfur, or chloride. Vanadium resists corrosion because it forms a protective oxide layer on its surface. The common oxidation states of vanadium are +2, +3, +4, and +5. Vanadium and its compounds are present in the earth's crust, rocks, some iron ores, and crude petroleum deposits.

What is Vanadium used for?

Steel Industry: Around 80% of vanadium is used as ferrovanadium or as an additive in steel production.

Aerospace: Combined with aluminium in titanium alloys for jet engines and high-speed airframes.

Nuclear Reactors: Used in vanadium alloys due to their low neutron absorption and resistance to deformation under high temperatures.

Catalysts: Vanadium oxide (V₂O₅) serves as a catalyst in manufacturing sulfuric acid, maleic anhydride, and ceramics.

Glass and Ceramics: It adds colour to glass and ceramics.

Energy Storage: Used in Vanadium Redox Batteries (VRB) for storing large amounts of energy safely.

Vanadium In The Environment

Vanadium enters the environment mainly through natural sources and burning fuel oils. It does not dissolve well in water, combining with other elements and particles instead. Vanadium binds strongly to soil and sediments and does not significantly accumulate in animal tissues.

Sources and Routes of Exposure

Sources of Exposure

• Eating foods containing vanadium, such as seafood and some nutritional supplements.
• Breathing air near industries burning fuel oil or coal.
• Working in industries that process vanadium or produce vanadium-containing products.
• Proximity to waste sites or landfills with vanadium.
• Breathing cigarette smoke.

Routes of Exposure

• Inhalation: Minor for the general population, major for occupational exposure.
• Ingestion: Main exposure route for the general population through contaminated food and water.
• Dermal: Not a significant exposure route.

Health Effects

Vanadium compounds are generally not a severe hazard but can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation when inhaled as dust. High vanadium intake can lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, and other health issues, including:

• Cardiac and vascular disease
• Stomach and intestine inflammation
• Nervous system damage
• Liver and kidney bleeding
• Skin rashes and trembling
• Dizziness, headaches, and behavioral changes

Vanadium Pentoxide: This more toxic form can cause severe irritation and chronic health problems with long-term exposure.

Cancer Risk

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies vanadium pentoxide as possibly carcinogenic based on lung cancer in mice. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and EPA have not classified vanadium's carcinogenicity.

Vanadium Safety

First Aid Measures

• Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
• Skin Contact: Wash skin with water, remove contaminated clothing, and get medical attention.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air, provide artificial respiration or oxygen if necessary, and get medical help.
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel. Seek immediate medical attention.

Exposure Controls & Personal Protection

Engineering Controls

Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. 

If user operations generate dust, fume, or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to airborne contaminants below the exposure limit.

Personal Protective Equipment

The following personal protective equipment is recommended when handling vanadium:

• Splash goggles;
• Lab coat;
• Dust respirator (be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent);
• Gloves.

Personal Protective Equipment in Case of a Large Spill:

• Splash goggles;
• Full suit;
• Dust respirator;
• Boots;
• Gloves;
• A self-contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid inhalation of the product. 
• Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling this product.

Regulation

United States

Australia

Safe Work Australia has set a time weighted average concentration for vanadium of 0.05mg/m3 for a 40-hour workweek.