Antimony
Antimony
About Antimony
How am I exposed?
Why should I be concerned?
What can government and industry do?
How can I reduce my exposure?
What is Antimony
Antimony is a naturally occurring metal often used in combination with lead and zinc, found in metal alloys, paints, ceramics, and fireworks. It is also used as a catalyst to produce polyester, and is found in plastics used for disposable beverage bottles. The most widely used antimony compound is antimony trioxide, used as a component in flame retardant applications
How am I exposed?
Antimony is released into air and water from coal-burning power plants, incinerators, mines, and industrial facilities. In urban areas, the primary sources of exposure are likely to be vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. Since antimony is also used in consumer products, house dust is another likely exposure source.
Why should I be concerned?
Antimony trioxide is classified as a carcinogen in the state of California. It has also been listed as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Breathing air contaminated with antimony can cause eye and lung irritation, heart and lung damage, stomach pains, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ulcers. Ingestion of large doses of antimony may cause stomach pains and vomiting. In long-term studies, animals exposed to low levels of antimony had eye irritation, hair loss, lung damage, and heart problems.
Antimony may also impact fertility, with laboratory studies showing antimony exposure to cause fertility problems.
