Biological Activity
Vanadium(V) oxide exhibits modest toxicity to humans, with an LD50 of about 470 mg/kg. The greater problem is with inhalation of the dust, where the LD50 ranges from 4-11mg/kg for a 14 day exposure. Vanadate (VO43−), formed by hydrolysis of V2O5 at high pH, appears to inhibit enzymes that process phosphate (PO43−). However the exact mode of action remains elusive.
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