What Are the Mechanisms of Chronic Toxicity in Catalysts?
The mechanisms through which chronic toxicity manifests can vary. In some cases, the catalyst itself may be toxic. For example, heavy metals can accumulate in biological tissues, disrupting cellular functions. In other instances, degradation products or by-products from catalytic reactions may exhibit toxic properties. For instance, organophosphorus compounds used in some catalytic applications can break down into toxic phosphine gases.