![]() If an industrial plant has antimony present, isn't it reasonable to assume other toxic compounds may be around too? Perhaps the most frightening aspect to occupational exposure is the prevalence of additional toxins that co-exist. In one particular study researching antimony in the blood, a group of dockworkers had the highest levels of antimony ever reported. The toxic compound is emitted from port vehicles and the workers breathe it in through their lungs. Why? Because antimony is used in brake pad systems for heavy weight vehicles, and port workers are exposed to that kind of traffic on a daily basis. By far, those who have the greatest chance of coming into contact with toxic levels of antimony are port workers. Some people work in industries or locations where toxic antimony compounds are more prevalent and this puts them in greater danger of suffering from related health concerns. Additionally, although it's not often cited as a prime source, it is worth mentioning that the EPA has warned that drinking water with high antimony levels, over a period of years, could cause health concerns. Exposure symptoms and the concerns that people may experience can differ greatly between the two. ![]() How Are We Exposed to Antimony?Įxposure to antimony compounds generally happens one of two ways: occupational and therapeutic. Because antimony is widely used and present in so many everyday items, the health concerns caused by exposure to toxic antimony compounds are a real threat. In comparison to other toxic chemicals and metals like lead, arsenic, barium, and aluminum, antimony doesn't get as many mentions. Beyond this, antimony is used to produce glass and ceramics, to make pigments, and in batteries. Most commonly, the metal has been used as a flame retardant in products as diverse as toys, car seat covers, engine covers for light aircraft, clothing for kids, and uniforms for fire fighters. Antimony is widely used in industry and present in all kinds of everyday items. Symptoms can be variable, including fatigue, myopathy (muscle aches and inflammation), hypotension, angina and immune dysregulation.Antimony is a naturally occurring metal typically found in ore deposits. Antimony is also used in the manufacture of paints, glass, ceramics, solder, batteries, bearing metals and semiconductors. and some anti-helminthic and anti-protozoal drugs. Firearm enthusiasts often have elevated levels of antimony in hair. ![]() Gunpowder (ammunition) often contains antimony. Thus cigarette smoke can externally contaminate hair, as well as contribute to uptake via inhalation. Food and smoking are the usual sources of antimony. Respiratory tissue irritation may result from inhalation of antimony particles or dust.Ī confirmatory test for recent or current exposure is the measurement of Antimony in the urine.Įlevated hair antimony levels have been noted as long as a year after exposure. Trans-dermal absorption can also lead to “antimony spots” which resemble chicken pox. “Antimony spots” may result from skin contact with antimony salts and vapors. Antimony deposits in bone, kidney, and in organs of the endocrine system. If antimony impairs phosphofructokinase (PFK), then purine metabolism may be disrupted, resulting in elevated blood and/or urine levels of hypoxanthine, uric acid and possibly ammonia. Antimony affects liver functions, impairs enzymes, and may interfere with sulfur chemistry. Antimony’s deposition in body tissues and its detrimental effects depend upon the oxidation state of the element. Therefore, excessive exposure to antimony has the potential to deplete intracellular glutathione pools. Antimony is conjugated with glutathione and excreted in urine and feces. ![]() Like arsenic, Antimony has a high affinity for sulfhydryl groups on many enzymes. Antimony is a nonessential element considered by some to be more toxic than arsenic, but others say it is less toxic. Antimony hair levels reflect past or chronic skin exposure, inhalation or ingestion of this element. Hair is a preferred tissue for analysis of antimony exposure and body burden. ![]()
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