Tungsten carbide – Uptake
Tungsten carbide (WC) particles can enter the body via breathing of air-borne tungsten carbide (WC) particles. Incorporation is followed by an enhanced level of tungsten in the blood and in the urine.
Whether tungsten carbide (WC) nanoparticles are taken up via the intact skin was not investigated so far.
Tungsten carbide (WC) particles can enter the body via the food in case of lacking hygiene conditions. Likewise, an uptake via drinking water is possible. Incorporation is followed by an enhanced level of tungsten in the blood and in the urine.
As exposure to tungsten carbide (WC) nanoparticles mainly occurs occupationally there are only few investigations available regarding effects on environmental organisms.