Antimony

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]:

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.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

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.

General First Aid:

(General first aid procedures)

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

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]

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.

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.

ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Antimony - Succinctly characterizes the toxicologic and adverse health effects information.

Ranking: 25 (total points: 1374.49)

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)

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 fed doses of metallic antimony of 5 to 55 mg every other day for 30, 60, and 90 days. Antimony was mutagenic in bacteria or phage. It was shown to induce chromosomal aberrations or abnormal cell divisions in animal or plant cells.

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 tracheobronchial lymph nodes in treated male and female rats, extrapulmonary changes in treated rats were comparable to those in controls.

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).

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]

Ceramics 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:

(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:

2023: 10,000,000 - <25,000,000 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:

Antimony: Salient Production Statistics for the United States

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:

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.