Where It Comes From
Natural in soil and rock; released by mining/smelting, coal or oil burning, and steelmaking; present in molybdenum disulfide lubricants and industrial catalysts [1].
How You Are Exposed
Mostly by eating foods (beans, grains) and drinking water where levels are high; breathing dust or fumes at mines, smelters, welding, or catalyst plants; air near such sites [1][2].
Why It Matters
Too much can raise uric acid and cause gout-like joint pain; may affect liver and kidneys; breathing dust can irritate lungs. High doses in animals affect reproduction and development. IARC: molybdenum trioxide is possibly carcinogenic (2B) [1][3].
Who Is at Risk
Workers in mining, metal/alloy or catalyst production, and welding; people near mines/smelters; those with low copper intake (more sensitive to molybdenum) [1][2].
How to Lower Your Exposure
At work, use ventilation, respirators, and good hygiene; don’t eat in dusty areas. Test private wells; treat water if elevated (WHO health value 70 µg/L). Keep Mo products sealed; follow labels; eat a balanced diet [1][2].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Molybdenum (Mo). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2008.
- [2]WHO. Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, 4th ed., 2017 (molybdenum guideline).
- [3]IARC. Monographs Volume 118: Molybdenum trioxide and sodium molybdate, 2018.