Antimony

Worker making glass bottle in factory-type setting

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Overview
Related NIOSH Resources
Selected Publications
Related Resources
International Resources

Overview

CAS No. 7440-36-0

Antimony (Sb) is a silver-white brittle solid or a dark-gray, lustrous powder. It can be harmful to the eyes and skin. Antimony can also cause problems with the lungs, heart, and stomach. Workers may be harmed from exposure to antimony and its compounds. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Antimony is used in many industries. It is used to make flame-proofing materials and in some paints, glass, and batteries. Antimony is coupled with materials like lead to improve their durability. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to antimony include the following:

Employees involved in metal soldering and brazing work
Workers in the glass working industries
Employees involved in antimony mining and extraction processes
Workers who work around antimony compounds and alloys

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses antimony, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to antimony. Useful search terms for antimony include “antimony metal,” “antimony powder,” and “stibium.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards.

Manual of Analytical Methods

The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

Health Hazard Evaluations

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics.

Related NIOSH Resources

NIOSHTIC-2 search results on antimony—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health IDLH) Value Profile: Antimony (as Sb)—NIOSH reviews relevant scientific data and researches methods for developing IDLH values.
NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries—NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.

Selected Publications

Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure Standard for Antimony—DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 78-216. This report increases awareness and recommends work practices to reduce exposures.
Elements by ICP (Nitric/Perchloric Acid Ashing) No. 7300—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, fourth edition.
Elements by ICP (Aqua Regia Ashing) No. 7301—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, fourth edition.
Elements by ICP (Hot Block/HCL/HNO₃ Digestion) No. 7303—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, fourth edition.
Elements (in blood or tissue) No 8005—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, fourth edition.
Pseudo-Outbreak of Antimony Toxicity in Firefighters, Florida, 2009—MMWR Vol. 58, No. 46.
Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Antimony and Its Compounds (as Sb)

Related Resources

International Resources

Page last reviewed: June 24, 2019

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health