ABSTRACT
Antimony is a fascinating element that, in spite of its widespread uses and potential toxic effects, has been much less studied in comparison with other elements such as As, Cr, Hg or Pb. Antimony may produce adverse effects on humans and the environment and has no known physiological functions. The toxic properties of Sb depend on the solubility of their compounds in biofl uids, the presence of complexing agents and the antimony’s oxidation state. Antimony interacts with –SH groups in cells, particularly with enzymes, inhibiting their enzymatic activity (Maeda 1994) and causes possible serious effects depending on the doses. Antimony(III) is more toxic
Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Gerencia Química, Av. Gral Paz 1499, B1650KNASan Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Email: smichows@cnea.gov.ar
than Sb(V), and organic forms of Sb are less toxic than the inorganic forms. Maeda (1994) reported that another factor that could explain the higher toxicity of Sb(III) over Sb(V) is that Sb(III) tends to be retained for longer periods of time in the body, making its effects long lasting.
