Bi • Atomic number 83
Bismuth
Bismuth is a heavy, brittle metal with the chemical symbol Bi. It has a silvery appearance with a characteristic reddish tint and expands slightly when it solidifies. Compared with many other heavy metals, bismuth compounds are generally considered less hazardous.
Bismuth is used in low-melting alloys, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, pigments, solders and specialised electronic materials. It is also used as a substitute for lead in selected applications where lower toxicity is required.
Bismuth occurs in minerals such as bismuthinite and is also recovered as a by-product of lead, copper, tin and tungsten processing. Refining usually combines pyrometallurgical separation with subsequent purification.
Metallic bismuth is comparatively easy to handle, but dust and compounds still require good industrial hygiene. The specific hazard assessment depends on chemical form, particle size and accompanying impurities.
The technical assessment of a material always depends on purity, chemical form, particle size, packaging and intended use.