Clinical significance
Antimony is a metal used to make special alloys. Some of its salts are used in special applications: tartar emetic and the trichloride as mordants in dyeing, the sulphide in fireworks, the pentasulphide in rubber vulcanisation and the oxides in glassmaking and ceramics. Acute poisoning causes stomach problems and other symptoms similar to arsenic poisoning. Chronic poisoning causes anaemia and dermatitis. Antimony absorbed through occupational exposure is largely eliminated in the urine within 48 hours. Measuring antimony in urine gives a direct indication of exposure.
Clinical indications
Occupational exposure to antimony.
Sample type
Urine.
Preparation
A urine sample must be collected.
Notes
In biological monitoring, the results can be correlated with exposure levels obtained from a specifically planned environmental survey.