Is Niobium Bad For You?

Niobium is not harmful to humans. The element niobium has no known biological uses. Niobium powder can irritate the eyes and skin and may cause fires; however, niobium metal in bulk is completely biologically neutral (hypoallergenic) and therefore harmless. Niobium is commonly found in jewelry, and some medical implants also contain niobium.

Certain niobium compounds are toxic, but it is difficult for the general public to come into contact with these substances. Niobates and niobium chloride are both soluble in water, and scientists have conducted experiments on rats to observe the effects of short- and long-term exposure to these compounds.

In rats, the lethal dose (LD50) for a single injection of niobium pentachloride or niobate is between 10 and 100 mg/kg. Oral administration was less toxic, with an LD50 for rats of 940 mg/kg after seven days.