Bis(dibenzylideneacetone)palladium

Contact with palladium may cause palladium sensitivity and allergy. Animal studies have shown that palladium may damage the liver and kidney. (L798)

Due to their ability to form strong complexes with both inorganic and organic ligands, palladium ions can disturb cellular equilibria, replace other essential ions, and interact with functional groups of macromolecules, such as proteins or DNA. Palladium complexes binding to DNA and RNA leads to strand breakage. Palladium ions are able to inhibit most major cellular functions, including DNA and RNA synthesis. Palladium compounds have been shown to bind to and inhibit various enzymes, including creatine kinase and prolyl hydroxylase. (L798)

Skin contact with palladium may cause contact dermatitis, erythema, and oedema. (L798)

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Palladium may be absorbed through oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure. Once in the body it distributes to the kidney, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, adrenal gland, lung and bone. Palladium's ability to form complexes allows it the bind to amino acids, proteins, DNA, and other macromolecules. Palladium and its metabolites are excreted in the urine and faeces. (A21)