Metal Used in Electronic Devices Linked to Higher Stroke Risk

Amy Taylor November 14, 2013

Higher urinary concentration of tungsten, a type of metal used in many electronic devices such as computers, laptops, mobile phones and light bulbs, is linked to an increased risk of stroke, even after taking into account other factors such as age, socioeconomic status, cigarette use, body mass index, occupation and alcohol consumption – new research revealed.

Tungsten is primarily used in the manufacturing of many electronic devices. Previous research has shown that exposure to this metal may cause irritation to the skin and eyes on contact, whilst inhalation can cause irritation to the lungs and mucus membrane. However, there were no reported severe exposure side effects, until today.

Scientists from the University of Exeter argued that the production of tungsten is steadily rising and its use is becoming widespread – a fact that leads to the possibility of it contaminating the environment. This metal is known to be capable of biological interaction and disruption of biochemical pathways that could negatively affect human health.

For the current study, scientists examined the urinary tungsten concentrations of 8,614 people between ages 18 and 74 who were part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, from 1999 to 2010.

The findings, which were published in the journal Plos One, showed an association between urine and higher stroke risk.

Certain populations, such as the blacks and Hispanic Mexicans, people with low body mass index, and those with lower incomes and educational levels were more likely than others to have higher tungsten levels. Furthermore, the association between stroke and tungsten was more pronounced in women as well as people below the age of 50.

The research team also pointed out that even though tungsten is not known to cause any health problems on its own, trials on animals and in cell cultures have shown an association between high tungsten exposure with cancer and pulmonary inflammation. Some studies also link it to heart risks. And even though other metals are sometimes alloyed with tungsten, the researchers said their findings point to tungsten as being of ‘critical importance’ in the risk of stroke.

Source of this article:

Tungsten, Metal Used In Electronics, Linked With Increased Stroke Risk