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 magnesium in humans. Magnesium is a widely distributed component of the earth's crust. The major commercial sources are magnesite, brucite, dolomite, and seawater. The primary commencal products are the metal, produced by electrolysis or by heating with ferrosilicon, and magnesia, produced by heating the carbonate. Magnesium is the lightest structural metal, with use limited by its cost and flammability. Its divalent compounds are typical of the alkaline earths. Most foods contain significant amounts of magnesium. The general population comes in dermal contact with magnesium in tap water, especially the very hard waters. The effects of magnesium in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
