Antimony

6.684 at 77 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink

6.68 g/cu cm at 20 °C

6.7 g/cm³

6.69

6.68 @25 °C

6.69

Silver metal; hexagonal (gray antimony); black amorphous solid (black antimony)

Silver-white, lustrous, hard, brittle metal; scale-like crystalline structure or dark gray, lustrous powder

Hexagonal (rhombohedral) crystals

Silvery or gray, lustrous metalloid

For more Color/Form (Complete) data for Antimony, elemental (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024)

Insoluble in water

Insoluble in dilute acid

Soluble in hot concentrated H2SO4

Solubility in water: none

Insoluble

3182 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

1587 °C

1635 °C

2975 °F

1587 °C @760 [mm Hg]

2975 °F

Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Antimony oxide

When heated or on contact with acid it emits toxic fumes of SbH3.

1167.3 °F (NTP, 1992)

630 °C

630.028 °C (gray antimony); trans gray 0 (black antimony)

630 °C

1166 °F

630.628 °C

1 mmHg at 1627 °F (NTP, 1992)

1 mm Hg at 886 °C

0 mmHg (approx)

0 mmHg (approx)

Antimony powder appears as a silvery or gray solid in the form of dust. Denser than water and insoluble in water. Toxic by inhalation and by ingestion. May burn and emit toxic fumes if heated or exposed to flames. Used to make electric storage batteries and semiconductors.

Dry Powder; Other Solid; CBI

Silver-white, lustrous, hard, brittle solid; scale-like crystals; or a dark-gray, lustrous powder; [NIOSH]

SILVER-WHITE LUSTROUS HARD BRITTLE LUMPS OR DARK GREY POWDER.

Silver-white, lustrous, hard, brittle solid with scale-like crystals, or a dark-gray, lustrous powder.

Silver-white, lustrous, hard, brittle solid; scale-like crystals; or a dark-gray, lustrous powder.

Slightly oxidized in air

Not tarnished in dry air but slowly in moist air

Stable under recommended storage conditions.

Metal is not found alone ... Valence 0, -3, +3 or +5

Not affected by cold dilute acids; attacked by hot concentrat6ed sulfuric acid; readily by aqua regia

When finely divided reacts with hot concentrated hydrochloric acid

2 naturally occurring isotopes: 121 (57.25%); 123 (42.75%); artificial radioactive isotopes: 112-120; 122; 124-135

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for Antimony, elemental (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 18.7% (140 of 748) of reports.

Danger

H301 (18.2%): Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral]；H302 (23.4%): Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]；H332 (26.9%): Harmful if inhaled [Warning Acute toxicity, inhalation]；H351 (31.8%): Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]；H373 (20.5%): May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]；H411 (38.6%): Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P203, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P301+P317, P304+P340, P317, P318, P319, P321, P330, P391, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 748 reports by companies from 34 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.；Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 140 of 748 reports by companies.；There are 32 notifications provided by 608 of 748 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).；Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Chemical: Antimony

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Cardiovascular Toxicity; Dermatotoxicity; Endocrine Toxicity; Hepatotoxicity and Digestive System Toxicity; Other Toxicological Hazard Traits; Respiratory Toxicity；Authoritative List - CA MCLs; CECBP - Priority Chemicals; CWA 303(c); CWA 303(d)；Report - if used as a fragrance or flavor ingredient

Antimony is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Antimony are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 22-06-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16124

Antimony: HSNO Approval: HSR001527 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]:；May react violently or explosively on contact with water. Some are transported in flammable liquids. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some of these materials will burn with intense heat. Dusts or fumes may form explosive mixtures in air. Containers may explode when heated. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. (ERG, 2024)

· May react violently or explosively on contact with water.；· Some are transported in flammable liquids.；· May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames.；· Some of these materials will burn with intense heat.；· Dusts or fumes may form explosive mixtures in air.；· Containers may explode when heated.；· May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.

Combustible under specific conditions. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with acids or halogens.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]:；Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard. Inhalation or contact with substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)

· Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard.；· Inhalation or contact with substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death.；· Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.；· Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.

Antimony is a 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 isn't used alone because it breaks easily, but when mixed into alloys, it 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.

Everyone is exposed to low levels of antimony in the environment. Acute (short-term) exposure to antimony by inhalation in humans results in effects on the skin and eyes. Respiratory effects, such as inflammation of the lungs, chronic bronchitis, and chronic emphysema, are the primary effects noted from chronic (long-term) exposure to antimony in humans via inhalation. Human studies are inconclusive regarding antimony exposure and cancer, while animal studies have reported lung tumors in rats exposed to antimony trioxide via inhalation. EPA has not classified antimony for carcinogenicity.

Pneumoconiosis and pustular dermatitis have been associated with chronic exposure to antimony dust. [LaDou, p. 479-80] Miners and millers of antimony ores may develop silicosis and mixed-dust pneumoconiosis. Workers in smelters exposed to antimony oxide may develop a simple pneumoconiosis. [Rosenstock, p. 409] A study published in 1954 of abrasive workers exposed to Sb2S3 at levels usually exceeding 3 mg/m3 found that 6 of 125 workers died of sudden cardiac deaths, and EKG changes, mostly of T waves, were found in 37 of 75 workers examined. [ACGIH] Antimony trioxide caused allergic contact dermatitis in two ceramics workers. [Kanerva, p. 1753] Antimony is a hepatotoxic agent. [Zimmerman, p. 4] There is evidence from pharmacologic use that antimony is nephrotoxic. [Rosenstock, p. 572] Substances that have been shown to induce genetic damage in germ cells of humans or animals, or which produce mutagenic effects in somatic cells and have been shown to reach the germ cells in their active forms. [MAK] Urine testing is the most reliable method of assessing the level of antimony in the body. Hair testing is not reliable. [PMID 20042882] See Stibine. See Antimony trioxide production.

2871 170

1549 157(inorganic compounds, n.o.s.)

2871 170(powder)

3141 157(inorganic liquid compounds, n.o.s.)

ATSDR; Toxicological Profile for Antimony and Compounds Draft for Public Comment (April 2017)[Available from, as of February 14, 2018: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp23.pdf]

Lewis DR; State of the Art Reviews: Occuptional Medicine 1 (1): 35-47 (1986). Toxic effects of the elements present in dopant materials used in the manufacturing of microelectronic circuit devices were reviewed. The toxic effects of the dopant materials based on the following elements were outlined: the group 5a elements /including/ ... antimony.

James RM, Dinman BD; Trans Am Foundrymen's Soc 95: 883-5 (1987). A review ... on the acute and chronic toxicol properties of antimony. The primary focus is on the toxicol properties of antimony in relation to exposures in an industrial environment where it is employed in metallurgical operations.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Antimony is included on this list. Effective date: 10/4/82; Sunset date: 10/4/92.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]:；DO NOT USE WATER, FOAM OR CO2. Dousing metallic fires with water will generate hydrogen gas, an extremely dangerous explosion hazard, particularly if fire is in a confined environment (i.e., building, cargo hold, etc.). Use DRY sand, graphite powder, dry sodium chloride-based extinguishers, or class D extinguishers. Confining and smothering metal fires is preferable rather than applying water. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.；FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: If impossible to extinguish, protect surroundings and allow fire to burn itself out. (ERG, 2024)

Use water spray, foam, powder, carbon dioxide.

Fresh air, rest.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.；· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.；· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.；· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.；· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.；· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.；SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.；INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.；INGESTION: Some heavy metals are VERY TOXIC POISONS, especially if their salts are very soluble in water (e.g., lead, chromium, mercury, bismuth, osmium, and arsenic). IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center and locate activated charcoal, egg whites, or milk in case the medical advisor recommends administering one of them. Also locate Ipecac syrup or a glass of salt water in case the medical advisor recommends inducing vomiting. Usually, this is NOT RECOMMENDED outside of a physician's care. If advice from a physician is not readily available and the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give the victim a glass of activated charcoal slurry in water or, if this is not available, a glass of milk, or beaten egg whites and IMMEDIATELY transport victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. (NTP, 1992)

General First Aid:；· Call 911 or emergency medical service.；· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.；· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.；· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.；· If victim is not breathing:；-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.；-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).；-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.；· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.；· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.；· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.；· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.；· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.；· Keep victim calm and warm.；· Keep victim under observation.；· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.；· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.；In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

(General first aid procedures)；Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.；Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly.；Breathing: Respiratory support；Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).；· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

Biological Exposure Indices (BEI) [ACGIH] - Biological monitoring of urine antimony in workers may be useful. In one study, 24 hour urine concentrations were < 1 ug/L in persons not occupationally exposed. [Nordberg, p. 359]；TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Air sensitive. Moisture sensitive. Handle and store under inert gas. Keep in a dry place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non-combustible, acute toxic Cat.3 / toxic hazardous materials or hazardous materials causing chronic effects.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES; Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]:；ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2024)

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Treatment and disposal methods: Chemical treatment, precipitation, recycling. Dissolve in a minimum amount of concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl). Add to water until the appearance of white precipitate. Add 6M hydrochloric acid just to dissolve again. Saturate with hydrogen sulfide. After filtration, wash the precipitate, dry, package, and return to suppliers.

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for antimony: Chemical precipitation.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Following oral exposure to antimony, administer charcoal as a slurry (240 mL water/30 g charcoal). Following inhalation exposure, move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids. In case of eye exposure, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature water for at least 15 minutes. Following dermal exposure, remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water. A physician may need to examine the area if irritation or pain persists. (T36)

Cancer, Cardiovascular (Heart and Blood Vessels), Developmental (effects while organs are developing), Gastrointestinal (Stomach and Intestines, part of the digestive system), Hepatic (Liver), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)

Hematologic

Eyes, skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system

Dermal exposure to antimony can cause antimony spots (papules and pustules around sweat and sebaceous glands). Antimony poisoning can also lead to pneumoconiosis. Alterations in pulmonary function and other effects including chronic bronchitis, chronic emphysema, inactive tuberculosis, pleural adhesions, and irritation can result from inhalation of antimony. Increased blood pressure can also result from antimony poisoning. Myocardial depression, vasodilation and fluid loss may cause shock with hypotension, electrolyte disturbances and acute renal failure. Cerebral oedema, coma, convulsions, and death are possible. (L741)

Occupational hepatotoxin - Secondary hepatotoxins: the potential for toxic effect in the occupational setting is based on cases of poisoning by human ingestion or animal experimentation.；Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.；Fibrogenic - Inducing tissue injury and fibrosis (scarring).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.

inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Inhalation (L741) ; oral (L741) ; dermal (L741)

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Antimony is a silver-white, lustrous, hard, brittle metal. Commercial-grade antimony is widely used in alloys with percentages ranging from 1 to 20. It greatly increases the hardness and mechanical strength of lead. Batteries, antifriction alloys, type metal, small arms and tracer bullets, cable sheathing, and minor products use about half the metal produced. Compounds taking up the other half are oxides, sulfides, sodium antimonate, and antimony trichloride. Paracelsus, a physician and proponent of alchemy in sixteen century Europe favored the use of metals, including antimony, as drugs. The period of c. 1560-1660 was termed the 'antimony war' and reflects the conflict in medicine between Galenic medicine and the practices of Paracelsus. HUMAN STUDIES: Inhalation of dust containing antimony by factory workers induced gastrointestinal irritation, probably result of antimony dust transported via the mucociliary escalator and swallowed. Acute symptoms, including abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting among smelter workers subjected to heavy exposure to antimony fumes were reported. Workers chronically exposed to airborne antimony can develop persistent symptoms such as dermatitis, eye irritation, obstructive lung alterations, and emphysema with increased pneumoconiosis. Skin effects from chronic antimony exposures have been reported. Pruritic skin papules progressing to skin eruptions, referred as "antimony spots", are occasionally seen in workers chronically exposed to antimony. Women working in an antimony metallurgical plant were compared to a similar group of women not exposed to antimony. The exposed group had higher incidences of spontaneous abortions (12.5 vs 4.1%), premature births (3.4 vs 1.2%), and gynecological problems (77.5 vs 56%). ANIMAL STUDIES: Rats given a diet containing 0.5-2% antimony had decreased weight gain, and had elevated serum levels of a liver enzyme, aspartate aminotransferase. Abortions were frequent in rabbits

The inhalation data suggests that the myocardium is a target of antimony toxicity. It is possible that antimony affects circulating glucose by interfering with enzymes of the glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways. The mechanism of action of antimony remains unclear. However, some studies suggest that antimony combines with sulfhydryl groups including those in several enzymes important for tissue respiration. The antidotal action of BAL (2,3-dimercaptopropanol) depends on its ability to prevent or break the union between antimony and vital enzymes. Moreover, the cause of death is believed to be essentially the same as that in acute arsenic poisoning. (T18, L741, A238)

Cough. See Ingestion.

Redness. Pain.

Abdominal pain. Vomiting. Diarrhoea.

irritation eyes, skin, nose, throat, mouth; cough; dizziness; headache; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; stomach cramps; insomnia; anorexia; unable to smell properly

Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea can result from inhalation of antimony. Dyspnea, headache, vomiting,cough, conjunctivitis, and bloody purulent discharge from nose can result from inhalation exposure. Skin or eye contact can cause pain and redness of the exposed surface. (T64, L741)

Antimony

Hematologic

4 x 10 ^-4 mg/kg-day

Antimony ore (CAS # 7440-36-0) was evaluated for inhalation carcinogenicity in Wistar-derived albino rats (90/sex/group) administered whole body exposures to either controlled air or a target atmospheric concentration of 50 mg/cu m antimony ore particulate, for 7 hours/day, 5 days/week for 12 months. After 27, 40 and 53 weeks of exposure, 5 each male and female treated and control rats were sacrificed for gross and histological investigation of potential carcinogenicity. All remaining survivors of 52-week treatment were held for an additional 4-month post-treatment observation period and sacrificed at Weeks 71-73. Representative and suspicious tissues of all major organ systems were harvested and examined. Both neoplastic and non-neoplastic microscopic changes in the lungs were increased in treated females (22.5% neoplastic lesions) relative to controls (0% neoplastic lesions), and non-neoplastic alterations were increased in treated males, the collective non-neoplastic changes in the lungs of treated male and female rats approaching 100%. Selected sections of the lungs from all treated and control rats and identified primary lung neoplasms, seen only in treated females, were particularly examined for markers of cellular transformation and tumor growth. Pulmonary neoplasms were first noted in a female sacrificed moribund at Week 40. Squamous cell carcinomas, bronchioalveolar adenomas, bronchioalveolar carcinomas, or scirrhous carcinomas characterized the exposure-related pulmonary neoplasms. Non-neoplastic changes included areas of moderately severe to severe and persisting pneumoconiosis, noted first at Week 27 and found subsequently in all treated animals, often in proximity to treatment-related neoplasms. Black pigment noted in or near pulmonary neoplasms were presumed antimony deposits. Multiple and varied neoplasms were common in those affected rats, as was extensive pulmonary fibrosis. Other than an inconsistent yellow to light-brown pigmentation of the trache

Chemical: Antimony

Hazard Traits - Carcinogenicity; Cardiovascular Toxicity; Dermatotoxicity; Endocrine Toxicity; Hepatotoxicity and Digestive System Toxicity; Other Toxicological Hazard Traits; Respiratory Toxicity；Authoritative List - CA MCLs; CECBP - Priority Chemicals; CWA 303(c); CWA 303(d)；Report - if used as a fragrance or flavor ingredient

Antimony is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Antimony are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 22-06-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16124

Antimony: HSNO Approval: HSR001527 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Antimony is included on this list. Effective date: 10/4/82; Sunset date: 10/4/92.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Antimony compounds are included on this list. /Antimony Componds/

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg (No reporting of releases of this hazardous substance is required if the diameter of the pieces of the solid metal released is larger than 100 micrometers (0.004 inches)). The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Whole body: 76 hours; The pentavalent form is removed faster than trivalent form. [TDR, p. 109]

Airborne factory dust (with a volume median diameter of 5.0 um and a geometric standard deviation of 2.1 um) from a Swedish copper smeltery contained antimony (1.6 weight %) and arsenic (19 weight %). The dust was neutron activated and intratracheally instilled in hamsters. In vivo measurements of lung clearance were undertaken of the radionuclides (76)arsenic, (122)antimony, and (124)antimony. Two phases were recognized in the clearance curves. The approx half-time for the initial phase was about 40 hr for antimony trioxide, and 30 hr for antimony dust. The second phase had an approx half-time of 20-40 days for antimony trioxide and antimony dust. The low solubility of antimony in factory dust combined with a long biological half-time may be of importance in explaining the observed lung accumulation of antimony in exposed workers.

Recently, tellurium (Te), antimony (Sb) and germanium (Ge) have been used as an alloy in phase-change optical magnetic disks, such as digital versatile disk-random access memory (DVD-RAM) and DVD-recordable disk (DVD-RW). Although these metalloids, the so-called "exotic" elements, are known to be non-essential and harmful, little is known about their toxic effects and metabolism. Metalloid compounds, tellurite, antimonite and germanium dioxide, were simultaneously administered to rats. Their distributions metabolites were determined and identified by speciation. Te and Sb accumulated in red blood cells (RBCs): Te accumulated in RBCs in the dimethylated form, while Sb accumulated in the inorganic/non-methylated form. In addition, trimethyltelluronium (TMTe) was the urinary metabolite of Te, whereas Sb in urine was not methylated but oxidized. Ge was also not methylated in rats. These results suggest that each metalloid is metabolized via a unique pathway. /Antimony metabolites/

Absorbed antimony is transported to various tissue compartments of the body via the blood; the highest levels are found in the hair and skin; the adrenal glands, lung, large intestine, trachea, cerebellum, and kidneys also contain relatively high levels of antimony. Antimony can covalently interact with sulfhydryl groups and phosphate, as well as numerous reversible binding interactions with endogenous ligands (e.g., proteins). It is not known if these interactions are toxicologically significant. Antimony is a metal and, therefore, does not undergo catabolism. Antimony is excreted via the urine and feces. Some of the fecal antimony may represent unabsorbed antimony that is cleared from the lung via mucociliary action into the esophagus to the gastrointestinal tract. (L741)

A study of the retention patterns of labeled antimony in mice following inhalation of particles formed at different temp was conducted. The lower temp aerosol was more sol & left the lung rapidly, localizing in the skeleton. The 2 aerosols produced at higher temp resulted in (124)antimony remaining in the lung for extended periods.

Environment and nutrition influence antimony concentrations of human tissues, causing large differences among individuals. Extremely high levels were found in the lung and bone tissues but not in liver or kidney of deceased antimony smelter workers. The lung contain the highest antimony levels of human tissues. The distribution of antimony is not homogeneous within organs or tissues. ... Great variations of antimony content were found in normal human platelets, serum albumin, and different tissues. /Antimony/

Urine levels of antimony between 0.4 and 0.7 mg/L were measured in cases of workers with lung changes. /Antimony/

Arsenic and antimony are toxic metalloids, naturally present in the environment and all organisms have developed pathways for their detoxification. The most effective metalloid tolerance systems in eukaryotes include downregulation of metalloid uptake, efflux out of the cell, and complexation with phytochelatin or glutathione followed by sequestration into the vacuole. Understanding of arsenic and antimony transport system is of high importance due to the increasing usage of arsenic-based drugs in the treatment of certain types of cancer and diseases caused by protozoan parasites as well as for the development of bio- and phytoremediation strategies for metalloid polluted areas. However, in contrast to prokaryotes, the knowledge about specific transporters of arsenic and antimony and the mechanisms of metalloid transport in eukaryotes has been very limited for a long time. Here, we review the recent advances in understanding of arsenic and antimony transport pathways in eukaryotes, including a dual role of aquaglyceroporins in uptake and efflux of metalloids, elucidation of arsenic transport mechanism by the yeast Acr3 transporter and its role in arsenic hyperaccumulation in ferns, identification of vacuolar transporters of arsenic-phytochelatin complexes in plants and forms of arsenic substrates recognized by mammalian ABC transporters. /Antimony/

For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for Antimony, elemental (13 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Antimony is alloyed with other metals such as lead to increase its hardness and strength; its primary use is in antimonial lead, which is used in grid metal for lead acid storage batteries. Antimony oxides (primarily antimony trioxide) are used as fire retardants for plastics, textiles, rubber, adhesives, pigments, and paper.

Antimony exposure can occur in smelting and refining operations and in alloy production. Antimony is used in glass, paints, ceramics, pigments, lead solders, and lead storage batteries. It is also used as a catalyst in the rubber and electronics industries. [Harber, p. 470] Antimony trioxide is used as a pigment for paints and a fireproofing agent for fabrics, plastics, and paper; [CAMEO] Pentavalent antimony used to treat leishmaniasis; Main use is alloy in lead storage batteries (hardener); [Nordberg, p. 567] Antimony trioxide and antimony trichloride are used as dopants in semiconductor manufacturing. CSH, p. 50]

Soldering [Category: Heat or Machine]；Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]；Battery Manufacturing [Category: Industry]；Smelting Copper or Lead [Category: Industry]；Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry]；Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]；Mining [Category: Industry]；Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry]；Welding Over Coatings [Category: Weld]；Glass Manufacturing [Category: Industry]；Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry]

Ceramics making [Category: Hobbies]；Glassblowing [Category: Hobbies]；Jewelry making [Category: Hobbies]

In manufacture of alloys, such as Britannia or Babbitt metal, hard lead, white metal, type, bullets and bearing metal; in fireworks; for thermoelectric piles, blackening iron, coating metals. etc.

Hardening alloy for lead, especially storage batteries and cable sheaths; bearing metal; type metal; solder; collapsible tubes and foil; sheet and pipe; semiconductor technology (99.999% grade); pyrotechnics.

(1985) 1.09X10+9 G /ESTIMATED/

(1988) 120,595 lb

Metal, alloy, waste and scrap: 942 metric tons antimony content in 1992.

Antimony: Salient Export Statistics for the United States:；Table: Data in metric tons of antimony content [Table#1388]

(1974) 1.20X10+9 G

(1985) 1.81X10+10 G /ESTIMATED/

31,204 metric tons in 1992

Antimony: Salient Import Statistics for the United States:；Table: Data in metric tons of antimony content [Table#1389]

2023: 10,000,000 - <25,000,000 lb；2022: 10,000,000 - <25,000,000 lb；2021: 25,000,000 - <40,000,000 lb；2020: 25,000,000 - <40,000,000 lb

(1984) 2.93X10+10 G /MINED & REFINED FROM PRIMARY & SECONDARY PLANTS/

Primary (smelter): 19,675 metric tons in 1992, the production of recoverable antimony from mines was withheld to avoid disclosing confidential information; Secondary: 17,736 metric tons in 1992, of which 1,043 metric tons was from new scap and 16,693 metric tons was from old scrap.

Non-confidential 2016 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: Antimony:；Table: National Aggregate Production Volume (pounds) [Table#1393]

Antimony: Salient Production Statistics for the United States；Table: Data in metric tons of antimony content [Table#1394]

FLAME RETARDANTS, 60%; TRANSPORTATION INCLUDING BATTERIES, 10%; CERAMICS & GLASS, 10%; CHEMICALS, 10%; AND OTHER, 10% (1985)

Of the 12,221 metric tons of primary antimony consumed in the U.S. in 1992, 3,297 metric tons were for metal products (antimonial lead, 1,642 metric tons; solder, 248 metric tons), 2,103 metric tons were for nonmetal products (ceramics and glass, 928 metric tons; plastics, 717 metric tons; pigments, 314 metric tons), and 6,821 metric tons were for flame-retardants (plastic, 5,108 metric tons; textiles, 444 metric tons; adhesives, 300 metric tons; rubber, 241 metric tons)

The estimated distribution of domestic primary antimony consumption was as follows: nonmetal products, including ceramics and glass and rubber products, 31%; flame retardants, 31%; and metal products, including antimonial lead and ammunition, 38%.

Antimony: Salient Consumption Statistics for the United States:；Table: Data in metric tons of antimony content [Table#1381]

Preparation in the laboratory by reduction of /antimony pentoxide/ with /potassium cyanide/ ... .

Reduction of stibnite with iron scrap; direct reduction of natural oxide ores. About half the antimony used in the U.S. is recovered from lead-base battery scrap metal.

The antimony content of commercial ores ranges from 5 to 60%, and determines the method of treatment, either pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical. In general, the lowest grades of sulfide ores, 5-25% antimony, are volatilized as oxides; 25-40% antimony ores are smelted in a blast furnace; and 45-60% antimony ores are liquated or treated by iron precipitation. The blast furnace is generally used for mixed sulfide and oxide ores, and for oxidized ores containing up to about 40% antimony; direct reduction is used for rich oxide ores. Some antimony ores are treated by leaching and electrowinning to recover the antimony. The concentrates may be leached directly or converted into a complex matte first. The most successful processes use an alkali hydroxide or sulfide as the solvent for antimony.

High purity (up to 99.9%) antimony ... may be obtained by reduction of a chemically purified antimony compound with a high purity gaseous or solid reductant, or by thermal decomposition of stibine. The reduced metal may be further purified by pyrometallurgical and zone melting techniques.

The antimony of commerce is about 99% pure.

Grade: Up to 99.999% pure, technical, powder, commercial grade in 55-lb cakes 10 x 10 x 2.5 inches.

Available forms: Besides the stable metal, there are two allotropes: yellow crystals and amorphous black modifications.

Antimony is used in tin/lead alloys up to an antimony content of 1%; type metals are lead-base alloys containing 3-9% tin and 3-19% antimony; lead-base diecasting alloys contain antimony in percentage varying from 4% to 16%; antimony is contained in a large number of low melting alloys of lead and tin. ... Britannia metals contain 5% antimony; pewter contains up to 7% antimony.

For more Formulations/Preparations (Complete) data for Antimony, elemental (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.