Antimony:This silvery-white earth metal is naturally found in the environment, but it can be toxic at high concentrations. Antimony ores are extracted and then combined with other metals to create alloys or with oxygen to produce antimony oxide. Although antimony is brittle, its alloys are utilized in lead storage batteries, solder, sheet and pipe metal, bearings, castings, and pewter. Antimony oxide is incorporated into textiles and plastics as a fire retardant and is also used in paints, ceramics, and fireworks.Antimony is emitted into the environment from both natural sources and industrial activities. In the atmosphere, it binds to tiny particles that can linger for several days. Most antimony eventually settles in the soil, where it strongly adheres to particles containing iron, aluminum, or other elements. It is present in low concentrations in some rivers, lakes, and streams.Since antimony occurs naturally, people are exposed to low levels daily through food, drinking water, and air. It may be present in the air near facilities that process or emit it, such as smelters, coal-fired power plants, and waste incinerators. Workers in industries dealing with antimony ore or its processing may face higher exposure levels.High levels of antimony exposure can lead to various health issues. Prolonged inhalation of large amounts can cause eye irritation, respiratory problems, heart and lung issues, stomach pain, ulcers, diarrhea, and vomiting. Ingesting significant amounts of antimony may also induce vomiting. Skin contact with antimony can result in irritation. It is also associated with lichen planus, a recurrent itchy rash affecting the skin or mouth.Despite its risks, antimony can be beneficial. Compounds containing antimony, such as meglumine antimonate and sodium stibogluconate, are key treatments for leishmaniasis, a disease caused by a protozoan parasite.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits a maximum of 0.006 parts per million (ppm) of antimony in drinking water. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set an occupational exposure limit at 0.5 milligrams per cubic meter of air (0.5 mg/m³) for an 8-hour workday over a 40-hour workweek. Both the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) endorse the same workplace standards as OSHA.
