Atomic Number:	51
Atomic Symbol:	Sb
Atomic Weight:	121.75
Electron Configuration:	[Kr]5s24d105p3

 

TITLE	Antimony (Sb)
SYNONYMS/FORMS	Antimony metal, Antimony powder, Stibium
GENERAL INFORMATION	The Greek derivative of the word antimony means "a metal rarely found alone." In nature, antimony has a strong affinity for sulfur and some metallic elements, including lead, copper and silver. Antimony trioxide is most important of Sb compounds because it is used as a flame retardant in markets such as children's clothing, toys, aircraft and car seat covers. (1) Acute antimony trioxide poisoning is rare, but exposure may occur in industry. Fatal dose not known. (2)
SOURCES	Glass, paints, ceramics, flame retardant for plastics, semi-conductors, and in alloys for hardening lead (batteries & bullets). Natural sources of Sb are found in over 100 minerals. It is sometimes found in its native form, but most frequently found as sulfide stibnite (3). Antileishmaniasis agents such as sodium stibogluconate (4).
EXPOSURE Short-term	Exposure is most likely to occur in industrial settings. Skin and eye irritant - after repeated exposure, may develop "antimony spots" (and pustules around sweat and sebaceous glands) (2) Ingestion - abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting - in substantial ingestion, other features such as myocardial depression, vasodilation and fluid loss may cause shock with hypotension, electrolyte disturbances and acute renal failure. Cerebral oedema, coma and convulsions are possible. A fatality occurred following ingestion of a soluble antimony trioxide derivative (2) Inhalation - Irritant to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes causing conjunctivitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, rhinitis bronchitis and rarely non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. (2)
EXPOSURE Long-term	Chronic occupational inhalation may cause pneumoconiosis with cough, wheeze and diffuse, punctate opacities in the middle and lower zones. (2)
TOXICITY Signs/Symptoms	Vomiting is a predominant sign antimony poisoning, and other symptoms similar to that of arsenic poisoning (4)
MONITORING Adult Testing	Whole blood: 0.00 - 0.74 nmol/L Erythrocytes: 0.00 - 1.64 nmol/L Plasma: 0.00 - 0.41 nmol/L Random Urine: 0.00 - 0.46 nmol/L (0.00 - 0.061 umol/mol creatinine) 24h Urine: 0.00 - 0.66 nmol/d Hair: 0.00 - 0.33 nmol/g
COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS	Samples collected in plastic tubes yield elevated antimony results due to leaching from the tube walls. High antimony results should be followed up with a repeat request for antimony making sure that the sample is collected in a glass tube.
TREATMENT OPTIONS	Dermal: Wash well with soap and water. Steroids may be used for contact dermatitis. Ingestion: Monitor urine and blood antimony. May require chelation with dimercaprol, DMSA or DMPS. Inhalation: Remove from exposure, if significant respiratory symptoms occur, investigate toxicity with urine and blood antimony.
REFERENCES	1. http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/ antimony/ 2. http://www.intox.org/databank/documents/chemical/ antxide/ukpid38.htm 3. http://www.corrosionsource.com/handbook/periodic/51.htm 4. BMJ 1995;310:1216-7. 5 http://www.medicdirect.co.uk/tests/ default.ihtml?step=4&pid=1634

 

Whole Blood

Erythrocytes

Plasma/Serum

Urine

Hair

 Reference range  
 

Analyte Antimony
Whole Blood	Erythrocytes	Plasma	Random Urine	24 Hour Urine	Hair
0.00 0.74 nmol/L	0.00 - 1.64 nmol/L	0.00 - 0.41 nmol/L	0.000 - 0.056 ug/L 0.00 - 0.46 nmol/L 0.00 - 0.061 umol/mol creatinine	0.00 - 0.69 nmol/d	0.00 - 0.33 nmol/g

Method of Analysis:  High Resolution ICP/MS
 
Test available:  Monday - Friday 0800 - 1600 h

Turnaround Time:  Average 5-10 days
Maximum 10 days