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Antimony

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

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