Platinum (107.86 a.m.u.) relatively non-toxic as a metal. But complex salts thereof, used in medicine for chemotherapy of cancer (cisplatin, etc.) are highly-toxic not only regarding cancer, but also regarding healthy cells of the body. Side-effects of intake of these drugs include cumulative nephrotoxicity, symptoms of disorder of gastro-intestinal tract, liver, hematopoietic system and neurotoxicity.
In ecologic research increased interest to platinum is caused by the increase of level of elements of platinum group in environment, regarding use thereof as catalysers in purification of exhaust gases. Platinum containing in road dust in cases of absorption in gastro-intestinal tract doesn’t create precipitates and is absorbed quite easily. It is supposed that soluble chloride complexes could be created, being potentially hazardous because of allergic and toxic features thereof.
Some compounds (e.g. caffeine) could increase toxic exposure of platinum compounds. Workers of factories of regeneration, production and recycle of catalysers could be suffering from increased level of platinum in blood, urine and hair. But the platinum, like all the metals of platinum group is very sensibly active. This is why people occupied in platinum production could face platinosis – disease caused mostly by delayed-type hypersensitivity. It could cause bronchial asthma, skin and eye damage, hypothalamic syndrome. Immune system disorders are also reported up to the development of secondary immunodeficiency.
