Is antimony considered hazardous?
Antimony (Sb) is a silver-white brittle solid or a dark-gray, lustrous powder. It can be harmful to the eyes and skin. Antimony can also cause problems with the lungs, heart, and stomach. Workers may be harmed from exposure to antimony and its compounds.
Is antimony absorbed through skin?
Exposure to high levels of antimony trioxide or a mixture of antimony trioxide and pentoxide resulted in death in rabbits (Myers et al. 1978). Since the application area was occluded, the study suggests that at least some forms of antimony can be absorbed through the skin.
How much antimony is toxic?
Amounts as low as 0.529 mg/kg can result in vomiting. Oral exposure to antimony predominantly affects the gastrointestinal system.
Is antimony banned?
As of January 2020, California has banned the sale and distribution of new upholstered furniture, replacement components of reupholstered furniture, foam in mattresses, and certain children’s products made for residential use if these products contain more than 0.1% of certain flame retardant-related chemicals.
Is antimony a pollutant?
Antimony is listed as a suspected cancer-causing hazardous pollutant.
What is antimony oxide used for?
Antimony(III) oxide is an opacifying agent for glasses, ceramics and enamels. Some specialty pigments contain antimony. Antimony(III) oxide is a useful catalyst in the production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET plastic) and the vulcanization of rubber.
Is antimony a carcinogen?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that antimony trioxide is possibly carcinogenic to humans and that antimony trisulfide is not classifiable.
Is antimony a neurotoxin?
Antimony (Sb), a naturally occurring metal present in air and drinking water, has been found in the human brain, and there is evidence of its toxic effects on neurobehavioral perturbations, suggesting that Sb is a potential nerve poison.
Why is antimony so toxic?
The industrial use of antimony has not appeared to be associated with serious occupational poisoning. It is believed that the toxicity of antimony and of arsenic is due to the fact that in combination with enzymes (the organic catalysts of the cell) they interfere with cellular metabolism.
Why is antimony bad for the environment?
Effects of antimony on the environment Antimony will mainly pollute soils. Through groundwater it can travel great distances towards other locations and surface waters. Laboratory tests with rats, rabbits and guinea pigs have shown us that relatively high levels of antimony may kill small animals.
What products contain 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.