The Elements in the Second Rank
5 Conclusions
The data on the metals in the second rank is limited and not sufficient to draw firm conclusions on their effects on health and environment. From the evaluation of the available data and by comparison with information on the traditional heavy metals the following conclusions are drawn:
 | Antimony, beryllium, boron, molybdenum, platinum and vanadium are classified as damaging to health- and/or environment, however typically based on data on exposure in the working environment. |
| Antimony, beryllium, lithium and vanadium have carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or reprotoxic properties. |
| Antimony, bismuth, boron, palladium and platinum have sensitizing effects. |
| Beryllium, boron, gallium, indium, lithium, molybdenum, platinum and vanadium are poorly studied with regard to their health effects. |
| Antimony, beryllium, bismuth, palladium, and platinum are considered as toxic or very toxic in the aquatic environment. |
| Gallium, indium, palladium, platinum and vanadium can not be evaluated due to limited data on environmental effects. |
| The consumption of almost all metals in the second rank is increasing, but at present beryllium, gallium, indium, palladium and platinum are used in small amounts with little risk of significant exposure. |
| Boron, indium and lithium are, with the present consumption and uses not likely to pose adverse effects on health and environment. |
Based on the above conclusions and considering the magnitude of the consumption at present, the metals antimony, bismuth, lithium and vanadium are regarded as the most problematic of the metals studied. Because of the high emission of vanadium from combustion of fossil fuels the overall effects of vanadium from other uses are regarded as relatively limited.
Beryllium, lithium and molybdenum can potentially result in adverse effects if the consumption increases.
Antimony, beryllium, lithium and molybdenum are considered to be the most relevant among the 11 metals for further clarification regarding their patterns of use and exposure. Bismuth and palladium might be included among these due to the fact that they have sensitization properties, have a potential for adverse environmental effects and have an increasing consumption.