Tantalum (Ta) is obtained from tantalum ore and niobite which are mixed oxides of iron, manganese, niobium, and tantalum. Although they are considered rare elements, the earth's crust contains about 0.003% niobium and tantalum, which are chemically similar and often bound together.

Tantalum is mainly used in the production of capacitors, and tantalum powder is produced during pressing, sintering and anodizing. The oxide film on the surface acts as an insulator, and the high-performance capacitance is obtained when the electrolyte solution is introduced. Structurally, tantalum is used in a harsh environment with a high melting point, high density, and acid resistance. Tantalum is also used in railway signal rectifiers, suture surgery, bone repair, vacuum tubes, furnaces, knives, prosthetics, fiber spinneret, and laboratory equipment. Besides, tantalum carbide is used as an abrasive, while tantalum oxide is used to make special glass for high refractive index camera lenses.

The harm of tantalum

Tantalum powder is not as serious as other metals (zirconium, titanium, etc.), but there is a risk of fire and explosion. Tantalum's work carries the risk of burns, electric shocks, eyes, and trauma, while refining involves toxic and dangerous chemicals such as hydrogen fluoride, sodium, and organic solvents.

Both tantalum oxide and tantalum metal have low systemic toxicity, possibly due to their poor solubility, but they do cause damage to skin, eyes, and breathing. Among alloys of other metals such as cobalt, tungsten, and niobium, tantalum is believed to be the cause of skin damage caused by hard metal pneumoconiosis and hard metal dust.

Tantalum hydroxide has no toxic effect on chicken embryos, and intraperitoneal injection of tantalum hydroxide has no toxic effect on rats. However, tantalum chloride has an LD50 of 38mg/kg(Ta) when the compound salt K2TaF7 is about a quarter toxic.

Safety and health measures

In most operations, ventilation is used to maintain the dust concentration of tantalum and its compounds below the contact limit. Open fire, arc and spark should be avoided in areas where tantalum powder is treated. If workers are exposed to dust concentrations close to a critical level on a regular basis, they should have regular physical examinations, focusing on lung function. Precautions applicable to these compounds should be observed for tantalum fluoride and hydrogen fluoride containing operations.

Tantalum bromide (TaBr5), tantalum chloride (TaCl5) and tantalum fluoride (TaF5) should be stored in a cool and ventilated place with clear labels and away from compounds affected by acid or acidic smoke. Personnel concerned should be reminded of the danger.

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