Tungsten Alloy:Current status of MOD Tungsten Research
Tungsten has historically been regarded as a safe material. However, tests on a particular alloy used in some munitions in the US, have demonstrated carcinogenicity in rats.
In response, MOD commissioned a toxicological review (see under Related Pages/Documents) of what is known about tungsten and heavy metal alloys containing tungsten. In light of this study we reviewed any information we had on cancers that could possibly have been caused by this exposure - but can find no obvious candidates.
We are also conducting a study into the ways our service personnel, MOD employees and the public could possibly come into contact with tungsten alloy from MOD activities and are reviewing protective measures in case any should be revised and/or reinforced.
The aim is to ensure that, even if tungsten alloy is harmful to humans (which is not currently proven), we have taken appropriate precautions. It is of note that the US is conducting further experiments to confirm and extend the original analysis.
There have also been suggestions that tungsten munitions may cause harm to the environment. Here we are liaising with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) whose Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances has provided independent scientific advice on Tungsten which is summarised in the minutes of the 7 March 06 meeting.
MOD have also commissioned an Initial scoping study of tungsten in the UK environment to provide an indication of the potential for tungsten from UK munitions to migrate in the environment and potentially have an impact on health or the environment.
The results of this study are generally reassuring and may be found in the Initial scoping report (under Related Pages/Documents).
Saturation
This is a condition where all magnetic moments have become oriented in one direction.
Stabilization
Exposing a magnet to demagnetizing influences which are expected in the application in order to prevent irreversible loss during the operation of the magnet.
