Scandium (CED0003939)

Scandium (formula: Sc) is an element with an average molecular weight of 44.96 g/mol. Scandium belongs to the homogeneous transition metal compounds, a class of homogeneous metal compounds within the inorganic compounds. In industrial settings, it is utilized as a surfactant (PMC9369776), and it serves as a biological antioxidant (PMC9229000). The compound is found in or released from 39 recorded sources. These include electrical and electronic equipment such as amplifiers, antennas, coils, adjustable resistors, and auxiliary devices, among 22 other items. It is also present in household items like watch chains and key rings, as well as building and construction materials such as ladders. Within household cleaning and consumer products, it is associated with soap dispensers, bleaching agents, tobacco pipes, cigar cigarettes, and pipe accessories. Additionally, it is involved in food, cookware, and food processing, specifically in the processing of fish and the fermentation processes for beer or the preparation of wine and sparkling wine. Regarding environmental detection in plastics, scandium has not been detected in polyethylene terephthalate or polystyrene. Literature supports inhalation as a route of exposure (PMC11775056).