What Is Vanadium?
ATSDR says vanadium is used in producing rust-resistant, spring and high-speed tool steels, and that vanadium pentoxide is used in ceramics and as a catalyst. USGS reports that vanadium redox flow batteries continued to be used in large-scale energy storage systems in 2025.
ATSDR says everyone is exposed to low levels of vanadium in air, water and food, with most people exposed mainly from food, and that breathing high levels of vanadium pentoxide may cause lung damage. It says the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified vanadium pentoxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on evidence of lung cancer in exposed mice. The NIOSH Pocket Guide lists a recommended ceiling limit of 0.05 mg of vanadium per cubic meter over 15 minutes, which applies to all vanadium compounds except vanadium metal and vanadium carbide.
A 2009 review in Canadian Family Physician found that vanadium reduced fasting blood glucose only in small, uncontrolled trials, and that there were no trials evaluating complications or other clinical end points.
Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.
The sources behind this answer
- Medical referenceATSDR says vanadium is used in rust-resistant, spring and high-speed tool steels, and vanadium pentoxide is used in ceramics and as a catalyst. ATSDR, CDC ↗
- Government sourceUSGS reports vanadium redox flow batteries continued to be used in large-scale energy storage systems in 2025. US Geological Survey ↗
- Government sourceATSDR says most people are exposed to vanadium mainly from food, and breathing high levels of vanadium pentoxide may cause lung damage. ATSDR, CDC ↗
- Government sourceATSDR says IARC classified vanadium pentoxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on lung cancer in exposed mice. ATSDR, CDC ↗
- Regulatory filingThe NIOSH Pocket Guide lists a recommended ceiling limit of 0.05 mg of vanadium per cubic meter over 15 minutes for most vanadium compounds. NIOSH, CDC ↗
- StudyA 2009 review found vanadium lowered fasting blood glucose only in small, uncontrolled trials, with no trials on complications or clinical end points. Canadian Family Physician, via PubMed Central ↗
Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.