Vanadium Pentoxide

anadium Pentoxide (V₂O₅) fume is recognized as being generally more toxic than dust because of the smaller particle size of fumes, which allows more complete penetration to the small airways of the lungs. The absorption of V₂O₅ by inhalation is nearly 100%.

Poison by ingestion, inhalation, and other routes of entry (experimental) like intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intrathecal and intravenous are possible.

Human systemic effects by inhalation:

bronchiolar constriction,
including asthma,
cough,
dyspnea (shortness of breath),
sputum,
conjunctiva irritation.

It is a respiratory irritant. It causes skin pallor, greenish-black tongue, chest pain, dyspnea (shortness of breath), palpitation, lung changes.

When ingested it causes gastrointestinal tract disturbances. It may also cause a papular skin rash.

It is also an experimental teratogen (i.e. causes malformation), has caused experimental reproductive effects and mutagenic data.

When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes of VO_x.

References:
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials by Sax and Lewis
Chemical Hazards of the Workplace by Proctor and Hughes

Edouard Bastarache M.D.(Occupational & Environmental Medicine)
Author of Substitutions for Raw Ceramic Materials
edouardb@sorel-tracy.q.ca
http://www.sorel-tracy.qc.ca/~edouardb/

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