Is a persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemical – ie one that lasts a long time, accumulates in the food chain and is, well, toxic. Read more here…
Humans absorb antimony from the air, drinking water and food – but also by skin contact with soil and contaminated substances.
Exposure to “relatively high concentrations of antimony (9 mg/m3 of air)” over long periods of time ( doesn’t say how long is long) can cause irritation of the eyes, skin and lungs.
Greater exposure may result in lung diseases, heart problems, diarrhea, severe vomiting and stomach ulcers.
It is not known whether antimony can cause cancer or reproductive failure.
Animals
“Relatively high” levels may kill rats, rabbits and guinea pigs and can cause damage to the lungs, heart, liver and kidney of a rat.
Low levels of antimony in the air, experienced for a long time, may result in eye irritation, hair loss and lung damage in animals. Even shorter exposures of a couple of months may result in fertility problems.
Dogs may experience heart problems if exposed to low levels of antimony.
Environment
Antimony is most often found in soil.
It can travel long distances through water.
Products
Antimony is used in
- Polyester – a synthetic fabric -you always knew those slacks were wrong!
- PET bottles – used in the beverage industry
Its is shown to leach from both those products.
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