Tellurium poisoning is uncommon but occurs when a person ingests or inhales a tellurium-containing compound.
Valence
Term
-2
tellurous
+2
telluride
+4
tellurite
+6
tellurate
Methods of exposure:
(1) accidental, especially in pediatric and occupational exposures
(2) suicide
(3) rarely homicide
Exposures may be acute, subacute or chronic.
Occupational sources of exposure:
(1) refining of copper using electrolysis
(2) making metal alloys (copper, steel, bronze, lead)
(3) vulcanization of rubber
(4) jewelry manufacturing
(5) metal working
Domestic exposure:
(1) metal-oxidizing solutions for jewelry and other metals
Uncommon exposures:
(1) folk medicine
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Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
