Overview
Antimony is a metallic chemical element with the symbol Sb and atomic number 51, recognized for its silvery-white appearance. It is relatively rare in the Earth's crust, being 10 times less common than arsenic, despite being found in over 100 minerals. Antimony exhibits properties of both metals and non-metals, making it unique among elements. Historically, antimony was used by the ancient Egyptians as an eyeliner in their cosmetics.
In this article, we will delve into antimony's chemical properties, natural occurrence, various industrial uses, potential toxicity, and its presence in food and water, offering a comprehensive insight into this intriguing element.
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Chemical Properties
- Symbol: Sb (from Latin: stibium)
- Atomic number: 51
- Element family: Metalloid
- Appearance: Silvery-gray solid
- Melting point: 631°C
- Boiling point: 1587 °C
- Density: 6.697 g/cm³
Quick Facts About Antimony
➯ Antimony's periodic symbol (Sb) comes from the abbreviation for "stibium," named by Jöns Jacob Berzelius.
➯ Antimony is a non-renewable resource.
➯ Antimony is stable at normal temperatures but reacts with oxygen when heated.
➯ China produces around 84% of the world's antimony.
➯ Antimony is ranked first on the British Geological Survey's risk list.
➯ Antimony is rarely found in pure form and often contains traces of arsenic, iron, and silver.
Antimony Uses
Antimony is a very common industrial metal, widely used in many everyday objects. It is rarely used pure, but rather in alloys with metals such as lead, tin or cadmium.
Its primary applications include the manufacture of lead-acid batteries, glass, pottery, printing presses, flame retardants, paints, cable sheaths, pigments, bullets, tobacco products, ink, antique kitchen utensils, enamels, ceramics, dental products, and medicines
Antimony compounds are also used in plastics and textiles to enhance fire resistance. Additionally, they have been employed in the treatment of diseases, including parasitic infections in humans.
Antimony Leaching from PET Bottles
In 2006, German geochemists discovered excessive antimony levels in bottled mineral water stored in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers. Antimony is used as a polymerization catalyst in PET production and can migrate from the container into the water.
The leaching rate is low at 25°C but increases rapidly at temperatures above 50°C. Consequently, the European Union set a limit of 5 µg/L for antimony in drinking water to ensure safety.
Environmental vigilance is the key to controlling this toxic metal
Antimony Toxicity and Health Risks
Antimony can be inhaled, absorbed through water and food, or come into contact with the skin. It is toxic and may cause irritation to the mucous membranes, skin, and eyes.
Studies have shown that high levels of antimony can be lethal to small animals, while chronic low-dose exposure can lead to fertility issues.
In humans, ingestion of high levels of antimony can result in diarrhea, stomach ulcers, abdominal pain, and vomiting; In fact, antimony was used as an emetic to induce vomiting in ancient times.
In contrast, symptoms caused by long-term exposure to antimony are primarily cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, and pulmonary.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies antimony trioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans (class 2B).
Certain forms of antimony are considered toxic to spermatozoa, embryos, and fetuses, making pregnant women and children more susceptible to its effects.
Antimony in Our Food
Once released, most of the antimony ends up in the soil, with only a trace remaining in the air and water.
Moreover, antimony does not accumulate in living organisms through the process of bioaccumulation, meaning it does not build up to harmful levels within the food chain. As a result, dietary exposure to antimony is generally low. However, trace amounts of antimony can still be found in various foods such as cereal products, fruits, vegetables, freshwater fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products.
Seafood, in particular, tends to have higher levels of antimony compared to other food items due to its exposure to aquatic environments where antimony concentrations can be higher, often influenced by industrial activities and sediment interactions.
Soil is the main source of antimony pollution
What To Avoid?
- Low-quality and poorly secured paints
- Drinking tap water in contaminated areas, especially in Asia.
- Excessive use of medications, especially antiparasitics.
- EPT containers
What To Choose Instead?
- Bottled water in green containers
- Eco-friendly cosmetics
- Inert containers like glass
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