Tungsten or wolfram is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. The name tungsten comes from the Swedish language tung sten, which literally means heavy stone. It is a hard and heavy metal, valued for its high melting point, strength and density. Tungsten is used in many different applications, such as industrial motors, electronics and medicine.
In industrial settings, tungsten is used in alloys, as a pure metal and as an additive. Pure tungsten is used in various tools and machining applications, and alloys are used for light-load automotive and industrial applications. In electronics, tungsten is used to make transistors, electrical contacts, switches and resistors. These components find their way into everyday products such as cell phones, laptops, televisions and medical equipment.
For medical purposes, tungsten can be used to manufacture stronger and more durable implants, as well as radiation shielding equipment. Its high density and strength make it an ideal material for this purpose. It can also be used to make some items that need to be highly resistant to impact, such as hip implants and tools for microsurgery.
Tungsten can also be an environmental contaminant due to its toxic effects on humans and animals. The dust from tungsten mining, processing and industrial use can contaminate land and water sources, leading to health problems. For example, high levels of tungsten in the blood can lead to an increased risk of certain tumours and cancers. Therefore, it is important to carefully control emissions and use proper protective equipment when working with tungsten products.
Tungsten is an important material for many industries, but it is also important to ensure that proper safety and environmental guidelines are met when using it. Careful monitoring and handling of tungsten is essential to protect both workers and the environment.
