Antimony hair levels reflect past or chronic skin exposure, inhalation or ingestion of this element. Hair is a preferred tissue for analysis of antimony exposure and body burden.
- Antimony is a nonessential element considered by some to be more toxic than arsenic, but others say it is less toxic.
- Like arsenic, Antimony has a high affinity for sulfhydryl groups on many enzymes.
- Antimony is conjugated with glutathione and excreted in urine and feces. Therefore, excessive exposure to antimony has the potential to deplete intracellular glutathione pools.
- Antimony’s deposition in body tissues and its detrimental effects depend upon the oxidation state of the element.
- Antimony affects liver functions, impairs enzymes, and may interfere with sulfur chemistry.
- If antimony impairs phosphofructokinase (PFK), then purine metabolism may be disrupted, resulting in elevated blood and/or urine levels of hypoxanthine, uric acid and possibly ammonia.
- Antimony deposits in bone, kidney, and in organs of the endocrine system.
- “Antimony spots” may result from skin contact with antimony salts and vapors.
- Trans-dermal absorption can also lead to “antimony spots” which resemble chicken pox.
- Respiratory tissue irritation may result from inhalation of antimony particles or dust.
A confirmatory test for recent or current exposure is the measurement of Antimony in the urine.
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Elevated hair antimony levels have been noted as long as a year after exposure.
Possible sources of antimony:
- Food and smoking are the usual sources of antimony. Thus cigarette smoke can externally contaminate hair, as well as contribute to uptake via inhalation.
- Gunpowder (ammunition) often contains antimony. Firearm enthusiasts often have elevated levels of antimony in hair.
Other possible sources are:
- textile industry,
- metal alloys,
- and some anti-helminthic and anti-protozoal drugs.
- Antimony is also used in the manufacture of paints, glass, ceramics, solder, batteries, bearing metals and semiconductors.
Possible symptoms:
Symptoms can be variable, including fatigue, myopathy (muscle aches and inflammation), hypotension, angina and immune dysregulation.
Early signs of Antimony excess include:
- fatigue,
- muscle weakness,
- myopathy,
- nausea,
- low back pain,
- headache,
- and metallic taste.
Later symptoms include:
- hemolytic anemia,
- myoglobinuria,
- hematuria
- and renal failure.
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