Antimony is a silvery-white metal that is found in the earth's crust. Antimony ores are mined and then mixed with other metals to form antimony alloys or combined with oxygen to form antimony oxide.
Little antimony is currently mined in the United States. It is brought into this country from other countries for processing. However, there are companies in the United States that produce antimony as a by-product of smelting
lead and other metals.
Antimony isn't used alone because it breaks easily, but when mixed into alloys, it is used in lead storage batteries, solder, sheet and pipe metal, bearings, castings, and pewter. Antimony oxide is added to textiles and plastics to prevent them from catching fire. It is also used in paints, ceramics, and
fireworks, and as enamels for plastics, metal, and glass.
Exposure to antimony occurs in the
workplace or from
skin contact with soil at
hazardous waste sites. Breathing high levels of antimony for a long time can irritate the eyes and lungs, and can cause problems with the
lungs,
heart, and
stomach. This chemical has been found in at least 403 of 1,416 National Priorities List sites identified by the
Environmental Protection Agency.
See a doctor if you or a family member has been harmed by Antimony. In addition, it
may be important to
contact an attorney who
can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there
may be
timelimits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associatedwith InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case
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See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Diarrhea: Overview
- Digestive Disorders: Overview
- Hair Loss: Overview
- Heart Problems
- Kidney & Urinary Tract Disorders
- Liver Problems
- Lung & Airway Disorders
- Lung Cancer: Overview
- Antimony: Frequently Asked Questions