Toxicity Profiles

RAGs A Format for Antimony (metallic) - CAS Number 7440360

Antimony is a naturally occurring silvery-white metal that is found in the earth's crust. Antimony ores are mined and then mixed with other metals to form antimony alloys or combined with oxygen to form antimony oxide. Little antimony is currently mined in the United States. It is brought into this country from other countries for processing. However, there are companies in the United States that produce antimony as a by-product of smelting lead and other metals. Antimony is used in lead storage batteries, solder, sheet and pipe metal, bearings, castings, and pewter. Antimony oxide is added to textiles and plastics to prevent them from catching fire. It is also used in paints, ceramics, and fireworks, and as enamels for plastics, metal, and glass.

Metallic antimony and a few trivalent antimony compounds are the most significant regarding exposure potential and toxicity. Antimony is a common urban air pollutant, occurring at an average concentration of 0.001 µg/m³. Exposure to antimony may occur via inhalation and by ingestion of contaminated food.

Acute oral and inhalation exposure of humans and animals to high doses of antimony or antimony-containing compounds (antimonials) may cause gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting, diarrhea), respiratory difficulties, and death at extremely high doses. Subchronic and chronic oral exposure may affect hematologic parameters. Long-term oral exposure to high doses of antimony or antimonials has been shown to adversely affect longevity in animals. Long-term occupational exposure of humans has resulted in electrocardiac disorders, respiratory disorders, and possibly increased mortality. Antimony levels for these occupational exposure evaluations ranged from 2.2 to 11.98 mg Sb/m³. Based on limited data, occupational exposure of women to metallic antimony and several antimonials has reportedly caused alterations in the menstrual cycle and an increased incidence of spontaneous abortions.

The Department of Health and Human Services, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have not classified antimony as to its human carcinogenicity.

The following is a presentation of the toxicity information associated with Antimony:

• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose is 4.00E-04 (mg/kg-day).
• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose has a modifying factor of 1.
• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose has an uncertainty factor of 1000.
• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose is based on the Schroeder et al. study from 1970.
• The Oral Chronic Reference Dose study effects are longevity, blood glucose, and cholesterol.
• The overall confidence in the Oral Chronic Reference Dose is low.

• The Dermal Chronic Reference Dose is 8.00E-06 (mg/kg-day).
• The Dermal Chronic Reference Dose is based on a gastrointestinal absorption factor of 0.0200.