- a gray metal or black powder. Used as an alloying agent in steels and cast iron and nonferrous alloys. Molybdenum is also a core ingredient of important chemicals such as pigments for printing inks, paints, ceramics and hair dye, lubricants, photochemicals and catalysts. Molybdenum is an essential element both for plants and animals. It is used in agriculture to prevent molybdenum deficiency in crops.
Hazard: Flammable in form of dust or powder. Acute exposures may include severe gastrointestinal irritation with diarrhea, coma, and death from heart failure.