| This fact sheet, developed by the U.S. EPA Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office (FFRRO), provides a brief summary for tungsten, including: physical and chemical properties; environmental and health impacts; existing federal and state guidelines; detection and treatment methods; and additional sources of information. Tungsten was originally considered a metal that remains stable in soil and did not dissolve easily in water. However, it is now a growing concern to EPA and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) because recent research indicates that tungsten may not be as stable as was indicated in earlier studies. Furthermore, varying soil properties such as pH may cause tungsten to dissolve and leach into the underlying aquifer. Currently, little information is available about the fate and transport of tungsten in the environment and its effects on human health. Research about tungsten is ongoing and includes health effects and risks, degradation processes, and an inventory of its use in the defense industry as a substitute for lead-based munitions. This fact sheet provides basic information on tungsten to site managers and other field personnel who may be faced with tungsten contamination at cleanup sites. |