llic state. Because of its chemical inactivity and high fusing point, platinum is valuable for laboratory equipment, such as tongs, funnels, combustion boats, and evaporating dishes. Platinum is also used for contact points in electrical equipment and in instruments used for measuring high temperature. Pacemakers are made of platinum to help avoid corrosion from acids in the body. Platinum is non-magnetic, but when alloyed with cobalt it can form a very strong magnet. One of the best uses of platinum is as a catalyst. A catalyst is a substance that speeds up reactions without chemically interfering. Platinum catalysts are used in the petroleum industry to aid in treating the crude oils for future use. Several other uses for platinum catalysts to make compounds are fertilizers, plastics, synthetic fibers, drugs, and pharmaceuticals. The best example of a platinum catalyst is a catalytic converter in a car engine. The platinum catalyst is used to reduce carbon monoxide in a car’s exhaust. Platinum is also widely used in jewelry in the United States as well as in dental fillings because of its hardness and corrosion resistance. Medical scientists have begun studying the use of platinum as a treatment for certain cancers. When platinum has been applied to tumors in tests, results have shown the tumor reducing in size. The use of platinum to treat some cancers could become a medical breakthrough.Platinum does produce some health effects. Platinum powder, if inhaled, can cause sneezing, irritation of nose, and shortness of breath. If the powder in spilled on the skin it can cause a rash and skin irritation. Platinum has many uses, which indirectly contribute to every day life. Platinum is a major factor in the production of cars and to the petroleum industry. Without platinum, there would be more carbon monoxide in the air. Laboratory equipment benefits from platinum because of its inactivity and resistance to corros...
