Antimony (Sb) is a silver-white metal in the earth's crust. The antimony ores are extracted and then mixed with other metals to form alloys or in combination with oxygen to form antimony oxide. Antimony is not used alone because it breaks easily, but when mixed in alloys, it is used in lead batteries, welds, metal tubes, bearings, etc. Antimony oxide is added to textiles and plastics to prevent them from catching fire. It is also used in paints, ceramics, fireworks, and as a coating on plastic, metal, and glass surfaces.
How is someone exposed to Antimony?
- Antimony is naturally found in the environment, so the general population is exposed to low daily doses, mainly from food, drinking water, and air.
- It may be in the air near industries that process it, such as foundries, coal-fired plants, and incinerators.
- In affected areas with high levels of antimony, there may be air, water, and soil exposure.
- Workers in industries that process or use antimony ores may be exposed to higher doses.
How can antimony affect human health?
Exposure to high levels of antimony can lead to various adverse health effects. High-dose inhalation for an extended period can irritate the eyes and lungs and can cause heart and lung problems, stomach aches and pains, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In short-term studies, animals that inhaled very high doses of antimony died. Experimental animals that inhaled high doses of antimony caused damage to the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys. In long-term studies, animals that inhaled very low doses of antimony had eye irritation, hair loss, lung damage, heart problems, and fertility problems have also been observed.
Ingestion of large doses of antimony can cause vomiting. No other effects that may be caused by swallowing are known. In long-term studies in experimental animals, liver damage and changes in blood cells have been reported. On contact with the skin, antimony can cause skin irritation.
Antimony has been used to treat patients infected with parasites (Leishmaniasis). The body excretes Antimony through the urine.
Because certain antimony compounds are used as catalysts in the production of plastics for water, soft drinks, and juice (PET) packaging, they may also be sources of exposure to antimony.
In clinical practice, DMPS effectively mobilizes and excretes bismuth, mercury (organic and inorganic), copper, lead, arsenic, antimony, nickel, tin, tungsten, and gold. Still, it does not affect aluminum or uranium excretion. In most adult patients, mercury is the predominant metal eliminated after using DMPS. DMPS-mobilized metals are mainly excreted by the kidneys and, to a lesser extent, by the liver (bile/stool). Another chelating agent for the mobilization of metals by the body, DMSA, is used in challenge tests and for detoxification from lead, mercury, and other sulfhydryl reactive metals (e.g., arsenic, antimony). Several studies have shown the efficacy of DMSA in increasing renal excretion of lead and mercury and in lowering the blood levels of these metals.
Determination of metals is done by ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), a method that enables the simultaneous detection of many metals. Its sensitivity and accuracy are significantly better than conventional atomic absorption, with the ability to measure metals at concentrations up to 1 in 1015 (1 in 1 quadrillion, ppq)!
Important Note
Laboratory test results are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. 70% and 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted solely based on the numerical result of a single analysis. They should be interpreted concerning each case, family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
