Although the toxicity values presented in these toxicity profiles were correct at the time they were produced, these values are subject to change. Users should always refer to the Toxicity Value Database for the currect toxicity values. Managed by Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract No. Molybdenum compounds are used primarily in the production of metal alloys.
Data documenting molybdenum toxicity in humans are limited.
The physical and chemical state of the molybdenum, route of exposure, and compounding factors such as dietary copper and sulfur levels may all affect toxicity. Excessive intake of molybdenum causes a physiological copper deficiency, and conversely, in cases of inadequate dietary intake of copper, molybdenum toxicity may occur at lower exposure levels. There is no information available on the acute or subchronic oral toxicity of molybdenum in humans. The daily molybdenum intake was estimated to be 10-15 mg. In animals, acutely toxic oral doses of molybdenum result in severe gastrointestinal irritation with diarrhea, coma and death from cardiac failure.