Germanium itself is not highly toxic, but certain forms of germanium can pose health risks when ingested. Elemental germanium is generally considered to be of low toxicity. However, the toxicity can increase significantly when it is in the form of certain compounds.
Germanium dioxide (GeO2) and certain organic germanium compounds, which are sometimes marketed as health supplements, have been associated with toxicity issues. When taken in high doses, these compounds can lead to serious health effects. There have been instances of kidney damage, liver damage, and even fatalities linked to the prolonged intake of germanium supplements. The body’s inability to process and excrete these compounds effectively can lead to their accumulation, which in turn leads to toxicity.
Consequently, while germanium in its pure, elemental form is not highly toxic, care should be taken with germanium compounds, especially when used in contexts outside of industrial or controlled environments. As always, germanium-containing products should be used in accordance with safety guidelines and exposure should be minimized to avoid potential health risks.
Shapeoptics offers a comprehensive range of materials and advanced equipment for custom and OEM optical components, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing lenses, prisms, windows, and more. We utilize high-quality materials like UV and IR grade fused silica, Germanium, and ZnSe, among others. Our state-of-the-art techniques and equipment minimize waste and optimize delivery times. Our in-house capabilities include standard and custom coatings across the UV-NIR spectrum, ensuring high quality and compliance with all industry standards. For precision and reliability in optics, contact Shapeoptics for your next project.
