Yttrium is an uncommon earth mineral with a significant level of crystalline iron-gray. Yttirum's surface creates an oxide coating, which makes it reasonably steady in the atmosphere. Although when it gets heated, the metal burns in the atmosphere. It is a delicate, silvery metal; most components in yttrium lack color.
Although it is present in most rare-earth metals and some organs in the human body, yttrium is not a single element in nature. It is present in Monazite, a rare-earth metal, and uranium ores. Metals such as fergusonite and samarskite also contain yttrium. In addition, yttrium can be found in the lunar rocks that the Apollo moon expeditions collected. Some organs in the human body also contain small levels of yttrium. Organs such as the liver and bones have levels of yttrium in them.
Compared to other metals, yttrium is cheap. Its affordability has made it a viable option for researchers in producing many equipment and devices. Yttrium is used majorly in producing yttrium oxide. Manufacturers use yttrium oxide to create yttrium iron garnets and yttrium-aluminum-garnet. Yttrium iron garnets are used as microwave filters, while manufacturers use yttrium-aluminum garnets to make lasers that cut metals. In addition, yttrium oxide is present in making superconductors, metal oxides, and red phosphors. Lamps, lights, and glasses also contain certain levels of yttrium.
Although manufacturers use yttrium in multiple products, ceramics and phosphors are its two biggest end markets. Manufacturers use it to produce many electronic devices, oxygen sensors, and additives. Manufacturers also use yttrium to make phosphors to produce big display screens, color television tubes, and phones.
Manufacturers use yttrium in the production of yttrium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The rare metal is also present in producing catalysts and polishing glass. Researchers use yttrium-aluminum alloy to create synthetic garnets, frequently marketed as imitations of gemstones. Microwave filters, radar, and communication systems use yttrium iron garnets. Nonetheless, yttrium can be part of producing specific medical equipment for the therapy of different diseases such as liver cancer or lung. Scientists also use it to make precision medical needles on the spinal cord.
Further, manufacturers also use the rare metal yttrium in making many house utensils, including devices such as lamps and televisions. However, the consequence of using yttrium in producing this equipment is that it pollutes the air and the soil. During gasoline production, industries release yttrium into the atmosphere during their activities. Also, when people dispose of their equipment that contains levels of yttrium, they dump them in the soil. Exposing high amounts of yttrium to the soil and the atmosphere leads to uncontrollable that can lead to higher amounts in humans, animals, and the environment.
Exposing yttrium to the atmosphere harms humans because it can cause damage to body parts and lead to several diseases. When it builds up in a person's body, it can be dangerous to the human liver and lungs. Breathing in high amounts of yttrium can cause cancer, especially lung cancer. It is also harmful to aquatic animals because it can damage the nervous system and reproductive system in animals.
