Antimony Trioxide

Excerpt from ERG Guide 157 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)]:

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

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

Rinse mouth. Rest. Refer for medical attention .

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.

Safe Storage: Separated from food and feedstuffs.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practical to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep in a dry place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non Combustible Solids

Personal protection: P2 filter respirator for harmful particles. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high-efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, glove boxes or animal rooms ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in plastic bags immediately after removal ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately ... The sealed bag should be labelled properly ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/

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. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. 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. /Carefully/ sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

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.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... summary of avail methods & recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/

Spillage Disposal: Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do not let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses by industrial workers is inconsistent. The benefits or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Smoking, drinking, eating, storage of food or of food & beverage containers or utensils, & the application of cosmetics should be prohibited in any laboratory. All personnel should remove gloves, if worn, after completion of procedures in which carcinogens have been used. They should ... wash ... hands, preferably using dispensers of liq detergent, & rinse ... thoroughly. Consideration should be given to appropriate methods for cleaning the skin, depending on nature of the contaminant. No standard procedure can be recommended, but the use of organic solvents should be avoided. Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. /Chemical Carcinogens/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": In animal laboratory, personnel should remove their outdoor clothes & wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... Clothing should be changed daily but ... discarded immediately if obvious contamination occurs ... /also,/ workers should shower immediately. In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. If gowns are of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they should not be worn outside of lab. /Chemical Carcinogens/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for Antimony trioxide (19 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

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)

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)

LC50; Species: Lepomis macrochirus (bluegill sunfish); Concentration: >530 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow); Concentration: >833 mg/L for 96 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea); Conditions: freshwater, static, 11.5-14.5 °C, pH 7.2-7.8, dissolved oxygen 5.2-6.5 mg/L; Concentration: 555,260 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 453,800-726,300 ug/L); Effect: intoxication, immobilization /Technical/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea); Conditions: freshwater, static, 11.5-14.5 °C, pH 7.2-7.8, dissolved oxygen 5.2-6.5 mg/L; Concentration: 423,450 ug/L for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 361,500-496,000 ug/L); Effect: intoxication, immobilization /Technical/

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Antimony trioxide, was added to a silt-loam soil (pH 7.0, background 0.005 mmol Sb/kg) at various concentrations. The soil solution of antimony increased gradually from 2 to 35 days after addition of antimony trioxide. At the 16 mmol antimony/kg dose, more than 70% of antimony in soil solution was present as antimony(V). A half-life ranging between 50 and 250 days was calculated for antimony trioxide(1).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Antimony is expected to exist as the trioxide in the atmosphere, since most of the atmospheric releases of antimony substances result from high temperature industrial processes, from the combustion of petroleum, petroleum products and coal, and from the incineraton of products that contain antimony. At the high temperatures used in these processes, oxidation of the antimony substances occurs, resulting in the formation of antimony trioxide (and possibly also antimony tetraoxide and antimony pentoxide).

Antimony concentrations were determined in 132 brands of bottled water from 28 countries. Two of the brands were at or above the maximum allowable Sb concentration for drinking water in Japan (2 ug/L). Elevated concentrations of Sb in bottled waters are due mainly to the Sb2O3 used as the catalyst in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET(E)). The leaching of Sb from PET(E) bottles shows variable reactivity. In 14 brands of bottled water from Canada, Sb concentrations increased on average 19% during 6 months storage at room temperature, but 48 brands of water from 11 European countries increased on average 90% under identical conditions. A mineral water from France in PET(E), purchased in Germany, yielded 725 ng/L when first tested, but 1510 ng/L when it was stored for 6 months at room temperature; the same brand of water, purchased in Hong Kong, yielded 1990 ng/L Sb. Pristine groundwater containing 1.7+/-0.4 ng/L Sb (n = 6) yielded 26.6+/-2.3 ng/L Sb (n = 3) after storage in PET(E) bottles from Canada for 6 months versus 281+/-38 ng/L Sb (n = 3) in PET(E) bottles from Germany. Tap water bottled commercially in PET(E) in December 2005 contained 450+/-56 ng/L Sb (n = 3) versus 70.3+/-0.3 ng/L Sb (n = 3) when sampled from a household faucet in the same village (Bammental, Germany), and 25.7+/-1.5 ng/L Sb (n = 3) from a local artesian flow.

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

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

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Antimony trioxide is a white powder. It is used in manufacture of tartar emetic, as paint pigment, in enamels and glasses, as mordant, in flame-proofing canvas. It is used to impart flame retardancy to plastics, used as a white pigment since ancient times. HUMAN STUDIES: Antimony trioxide exerts its effect most likely as a contact irritant, since patch tests for allergy usually produce no reaction. Nosebleeds, laryngitis, and bronchitis were also seen. Heavier exposure resulted in symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metallic taste, and dyspnea. Nasal septal perforation may occur. Smelter workers exposed to antimony trioxide frequently complained of symptoms related to mucous membrane irritation, such as rhinitis (with cases of septal perforation and loss of smell), pharyngitis, laryngitis (sometimes with aphonia), gastroenteritis, bronchitis and pneumonitis. Other symptoms, less often encountered, included weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Serum IgA and IgE levels in exposed workers were negatively associated with antimony levels in air samples of workplaces, and in blood, urine, and hairs of participants. Serum IgG and IgE were also negatively associated with antimony levels in their hairs. DNA oxidative damage occurring among Egyptian workers occupationally exposed to antimony trioxide was studied. DNA damage was detected in the form of increased apurinic/apyrimidinic sites among antimony trioxide-exposed workers compared to control subjects, but it could not be explained by oxidative mechanisms. Positive response to antimony trioxide was observed in the in vitro cytogenetic assay using isolated human peripheral lymphocytes. ANIMAL STUDIES: Antimony trioxide was well tolerated by rats in dosages up to 4 mg daily. Rabbits fed daily up to 150 mg/kg for 4 weeks showed no pathologic changes. Rats and rabbits exposed to antimony trioxide (90-125 mg antimony trioxide/cu m during 100 hr/month) for periods of up to 14 months, in addition to pneumonitis, also developed lipoid pneumonia, fibrous thickening of alveolar walls, and focal fibrosis. Rabbits appeared to be more susceptible than rats. 148 female rats and 8 miniature swine were used to examine the long term toxicity of inhaled antimony trioxide. Both species were divided into a control group, a low-exposure (1.6 mg antimony/cu m) and a high exposure group (4.2 mg antimony/cu m). The animals were exposed 6 hr a day, on 5 days per week for about 1 year. In the miniature swine, there were no histopathological changes in the lung, but in the rats there were pronounced morphological changes in the lung with focal fibrosis, adenomatous and pneumonocytic hyperplasia, and cholesterol clefts. In NTP 2-year inhalation studies, there was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of antimony trioxide in male rats based on increased combined incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma or carcinoma in the lung and on increased incidences of benign pheochromocytoma of the adrenal medulla. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of antimony trioxide in female rats based on increased incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma in the lung and on increased combined incidences of benign or malignant pheochromocytoma of the adrenal medulla. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of antimony trioxide in male mice based on increased incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar carcinoma of the lung. Increases in the incidences of fibrous histiocytoma in the skin, as well as the combined incidences of fibrous histiocytoma or fibrosarcoma in the skin of male mice were also considered to be related to exposure. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in female mice based on increases in the incidences of alveolar/bronchiolar adenoma and alveolar/bronchiolar carcinoma of the lung and on increased incidences of malignant lymphoma. In developmental studies, female rats were exposed by inhalation for 4 hours per day for 1.5-2 months to 0 or 250 mg/cu m antimony trioxide. They were then mated, and exposures continued until Days 3-5 before expected delivery. Pregnancy was obtained in 16/24 treated females and in 10/10 controls. Litter size and weight of offspring at birth and weaning were not altered by exposure to antimony trioxide. Antimony trioxide produced differential killing in DNA repair-proficient compared to repair-deficient strains of Bacillus subtilis. In a spot test, it was not mutagenic to Escherichia coli B/rWP2 or to Salmonella typhimurium TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98 or TA100. Antimony trioxide induced micronucleus formation in mice, but not in rats. ECOTOXICITY STUDIES: Antimony trioxide had a moderate toxicity in Daphnia magna.

/AQUATIC SPECIES/ ... In the present study the toxicity of a wide range of HFFRs to the water flea Daphnia magna was investigated. ...Results revealed that four HFFRs were showing no effect at their Sw (saturated water concentration) and three had a low toxicity (EC50>10 mg/L), suggesting that these compounds are not hazardous. Antimony trioxide had a moderate toxicity (EC50=3.01 mg/L, 95% CL: 2.76-3.25) and triphenyl phosphate and the brominated reference compound tetra bromobisphenol A were highly toxic to D. magna (EC50=0.55 mg/L, 95% CL: 0.53-0.55 and EC50=0.60 mg/L, 95% CL: 0.24-0.97 respectively). Aluminum trihydroxide and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) caused limited mortality at Sw (26 and 25% respectively) and have a low solubility (<10 mg/L). Hence, increased toxicity of these compounds may be observed when for instance decreasing pH could increase solubility.

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 trioxide 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 1000 lb or 454 kg. 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).

Antimony trioxide is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Antimony and compounds/

Used to make tartar emetic, paint pigments, stains for iron and copper, enamels, ceramics, glasses, mordants, plastic stabilizers, phosphors, and flame-retardants for canvas, textiles, and plastics; [HSDB] Workers may be exposed manufacturing or using batteries, printing machines, bearings, textiles, and ceramics; [Kanerva, p. 1753]

Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry]

Ceramics making [Category: Hobbies]

Manufacture of tartar emetic; as paint pigment; in enamels and glasses; as mordant; as fire retardant for textiles, canvas, rubber, adhesives, pigments, and paper.

... Catalyst; intermediate; staining iron and copper, phosphors ... .

Its principle use is as a flame retardant in textiles and plastics. It is also used as a stabilizer for plastics, as a catalyst, and as an opacifier in glass, ceramics, and vitreous enamels.

(1985) 6.77X10+7 g

(1988) 399,278 lb

(1978) 9.68X10+9 G

(1983) 9.63X10+9 G

(1985) 9.64X10+9 g

(1986) 27,042,802 lb

2023: 10,000,000 - <50,000,000 lb

(1977) 9.0X10+9 G (ANTIMONY CONTENT)

(1982) 1.05X10+10 G (ANTIMONY CONTENT)

(1985) 1.41X10+10 g

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule.[Table#1267]

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for Antimony trioxide (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Laboratory preparation from /antimony trichloride/ and water ... . Obtained from antimony ore minerals by a volatilization (roasting) process ... .

Antimony trioxide can be produced by roasting antimony trisulfide; by burning antimony in air or oxygen; by alkaline hydrolysis of antimony halides (trichloride, tribromide, or triiodide); or by hydrolysis of antimony trisulfide with superheated steam.

Burning antimony in air, adding ammonium hydroxide to antimony chloride, directly from low-grade ores.

Antimony trioxide is sold in various purities, whitenesses, and grain sizes (mainly 1-3 um, down to <1 um for special grades). ... Because of occupational health issues relating to antimony trioxide dust, nondusting preparations are preferred (i.e., concentrated masterbatches containing about 80% of active agent, granules, or wetted grades).

Most commercial grades contain 99.2-99.5% antimony trioxide.

Grade: Technical, pigment.

Grades of antimony trioxide /from table/

Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing

Antimony oxide (Sb2O3): ACTIVE

A low-cost green and reproducible microbe (Lactobacillus sp.)-mediated biosynthesis of Sb(2)O(3) nanoparticles is reported. The synthesis was performed at around room temperature. X-ray and transmission electron microscopy analyses were performed to ascertain the formation of Sb(2)O(3) nanoparticles. X-ray analysis indicated that Sb(2)O(3) nanoparticles had a face-centered cubic unit cell structure. Individual nanoparticles as well as a few aggregates of 3-12 nm were found. A possible mechanism for the synthesis of nano Sb(2)O(3) is proposed.

The pigmentation from antimony oxide in plastics can be controlled and adjusted by the judicious selection of a Sb2O3 grade having a specific particle size. The product with the smallest particle size and narrowist particle-size range imparts the whitest color and highest opacity. Translucent plastics can be made by using low tint grades with relatively large particles.

Particle size during the manufacture is controlled by adjusting the temperature and rate at which the antimony vapors are precipitated as these vapors exit the furnace. The lower the temperature and the slower the precipitation rate, the larger the particles.

Antimony can be trivalent or pentavalent in compounds. Both exist in antimony(IV) oxide, Sb2O4, and presumably in the deep violet haloantimonates (IV), such as Cs2(SbCl6). The pentavalent compounds, as well as most of the trivalent ones, are hydrolyzed by water to form antimony salts, e.g., SbOCl, and hydrated oxides. The only halides of antimony that have any industrial significance are the chlorides and fluorides. /Antimony compounds/