Antimony: The Hidden Metal in Everyday Items
Antimony is a naturally occurring metal typically found in ore deposits. This metal is widely used in various industries and is present in numerous everyday items. Its most common application is as a flame retardant in products such as toys, car seat covers, engine covers for light aircraft, children’s clothing, and firefighters’ uniforms. Additionally, antimony is used in the production of glass and ceramics, pigments, and batteries.
Compared to other toxic chemicals and metals like lead, arsenic, barium, and aluminum, antimony doesn’t receive as much attention. However, due to its widespread use in many everyday items, exposure to toxic antimony compounds poses significant health risks.
How Are We Exposed to Antimony?
Exposure to antimony compounds typically occurs in two main ways: occupational and therapeutic. The symptoms and health concerns from exposure can vary significantly between these two types. Additionally, while it’s not often highlighted, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned that long-term consumption of water with high antimony levels could lead to health issues.
Occupational Exposure to Antimony
Some people work in industries or environments where exposure to toxic antimony compounds is more common, increasing their risk of health problems. Port workers, in particular, face the highest risk. This is because antimony is used in brake pad systems for heavy vehicles, and port workers are regularly exposed to this kind of traffic, inhaling the toxic compounds emitted from the vehicles. In one study, dockworkers were found to have the highest levels of antimony ever reported in their blood.
One of the most concerning aspects of occupational exposure is the potential presence of other toxins alongside antimony. If an industrial site contains antimony, it’s likely that other toxic compounds are also present.
Interestingly, firefighters do not show toxic levels of antimony despite wearing flame-retardant uniforms containing the metal since the 1960s. Several studies have indicated that these uniforms do not increase antimony toxicity levels.
Therapeutic Exposure to Antimony
Another group at risk of antimony exposure includes patients undergoing treatment for schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis. Antimony is used in the therapy for these diseases, and sometimes, it can have toxic side effects, leading to pancreatitis and cardiotoxicity.
Health Dangers of Antimony
The health effects of antimony exposure depend on the mode of exposure. Those who inhale the compound, such as port workers, may experience pneumoconiosis, gastrointestinal issues, antimony spots on the skin, and respiratory irritation. Contact with antimony dust can result in symptoms like depression, dizziness, headaches, vomiting, kidney damage, or liver damage. One compound, antimony trioxide, is believed to be carcinogenic, and antimony poisoning has been linked to Adams-Stokes syndrome.
Efforts to Reduce Exposure to Antimony
In recent decades, workplaces have implemented guidelines to reduce antimony poisoning incidents, and therapeutic drugs containing antimony are subject to strict quality control. Patients are also continuously monitored to ensure their antimony levels remain within safe limits.
Both the EPA and the European Union have set water standards for antimony that they claim are below toxic levels. However, in the UK, caution is advised with juice concentrates, as researchers found antimony levels far exceeding those in tap water a few years ago.
Governments now monitor bottled water since toxic antimony can leach from plastic bottles into the water. In 2009, California passed a law requiring testing for antimony in bottled water, even though the levels in bottled water are typically lower than those in tap water.
Mitigating Your Own Risks
Reducing your exposure to antimony or any toxin involves evaluating your lifestyle and identifying sources of exposure. Consider whether you drink purified water, have a water treatment system at home, or work in an environment where antimony is present. Address these issues directly to minimize your risk. Once you have eliminated sources of toxins, you may consider cleansing your body for a healthier life.
