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 strontium in humans. Strontium is widely found, generally in association with calcium. The commerical minerals are celestite and strontianite. The metal is produced by electrolysis or by thermal reduction with aluminum. The major use is for the red color of pyrotechnics; strontium nitrate is the usual compound. Strontium is a typical divalent alkaline earth. Compounds are typically a bit more soluble than those of barium. The skeleton contains most absorbed strontium. Acute strontium toxicity causes death by respiratory failure. Most of its compounds have a low order of toxicity even by intravenous injection. The effects of strontium in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
