ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed discussion on the occurrence and production, uses, chemical and physical properties, exposure and exposure limits, toxicokinetics, and effects of antimony in humans. Antimony is associated with the sulfide mineral stibnite and complex sulfide ores containing lead, copper, silver, and mercury. Resources in the United States are small. Antimony and antimony oxide recovery operations are or have been in Laredo, Texas; Kellogg, Idaho; Thompson Falls, Montana; El Paso, Texas; and Texas City, Texas. Antimony is alloyed with lead, copper, and other metals. Certain compounds are used for fireproofing textiles and for ceramics and glassware, pigments, and antiparasitic drugs. Uses of alloys include ammunition, bearing metals, and lead storage batteries. The effects of antimony in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
