ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed discussion on the occurrence and production, uses, chemical and physical properties, exposure and exposure limits, toxicokinetics, and effects of iron in humans. Iron is widely distributed in the earth's crust and is the major component of the core. Most ores are complex oxides, which are reduced in a blast furnace. Iron, or more precisely its carbon alloy, steel, is the backbone of modern civilization, with total production exceeding that of all other metals combined. Besides the structural uses, iron and its compounds are used in pigments, magnetic tapes, catalysts, feeds, disinfectants, tanning, and fuel additives. Iron is found in virtually every food with higher concentrations in animal tissues than in plant. The effects of iron in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
