Cerium is traditionally referred to as one of the "rare earths", but is in fact more plentiful in the earth's crust than many other elements, including lead. 1,2 It is also the most widely distributed of the "rare earths", averaging 22 ppm in the earth's crust. 3 Cerium is industrially important and is used in nuclear reactors; in alloys with nickel and chromium; and in microwave devices, lasers, masers, and in television sets. 1,2 Cerium is also used in agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry, and much attention is now being paid to the study of cerium in the environment. 4 The cerium content of seawater is of the order of 0.0015 ppb; 5 in the edible portions of oysters and clams it has been known to concentrate to levels 100-times and 1000-times higher, respectively, than in seawater. 6 Inhalation exposures of cerium in humans have been known to cause sensitivity to heat, itching, and an increased awareness of odor and taste.