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 germanium in humans. Germanium occurs naturally in small concentrations in minerals such as argyrodite and germanite, as well as in zinc ores containing cadmium. It is produced as a by-product of the production of electrolytic zinc or recovered from flue dusts from the combustion of producer gas, which may contain up to 3" germanium. As a semiconductor, germanium is used in the manufacture of electronic components (transistors, diodes). It is also used in electroplating metals, in production of metal alloys, in glass lens production, and as a catalyst in coal hydrogenation. The effects of germanium in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
