Clinical Information

Antimony is a silvery white metal that is used in alloys for lead batteries, solder, sheet metal, bearings, castings, ammunition, and pewter. It is also used for pigments, abrasives, flame-proofing fabrics, and in medications (ie, sodium stibogluconate [Pentostam], which is used to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis).(1) Antimony typically enters the environment during mining, processing of ores, emissions from coal-burning power plants, and production of alloys. Exposure to antimony can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact with soil, water, foods, or certain medications. In the workplace, exposure is usually via inhalation. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set a limit of 0.5 mg/m(3) of antimony in workroom air to protect workers during an 8-hour work shift (40-hour workweek).(2)

Absorption of antimony through the lungs may take days to weeks. Absorption of antimony from ingestion typically enters the blood within a few hours.(2) The amount and form of the antimony affects how much is absorbed. Once in the blood, antimony is distributed to the liver, lungs, intestines, and spleen. Elimination is primarily through the urine, occurring over several weeks. The half-life varies depending on the chemical form. Trivalent antimony is primarily bound to erythrocytes, while pentavalent antimony is primarily found in plasma, which makes whole blood the preferred specimen to analyze for acute intoxication. Whole blood concentrations in healthy subjects not exposed to antimony averaged 0.7 mcg/L and usually do not exceed 2 mcg/L.(3) In battery plant workers, median blood antimony concentrations of 2.6 mcg/L were found in metal casters and 10 mcg/L in metal form workers.(4)

The effects of acute or chronic antimony poisoning are similar to arsenic poisoning and include abdominal pain, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, dermatitis, and visual disturbances.(1) Additionally, toxicity can include pneumoconiosis and altered electrocardiograms.(2)