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6331024 
Book/Book Chapter 
Antimony in Food Contact Materials and Household Plastics: Uses, Exposure, and Health Risk Considerations 
Snedeker, SM 
2014 
Molecular and Integrative Toxicology 
205-230 
WOS:000353720200009 
Antimony is a metal that has been used clinically to treat parasitic infections, as synergist in flame retardant materials, and as a catalyst in the manufacturing of plastics. Antimony trioxide is used in the manufacturing of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a food contact plastic used extensively for single-use water and beverage bottles and food trays. Both storage time and high temperatures are factors that increase the migration of antimony from the food contact plastics to the food or beverage. While polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics may be a source of antimony exposure, there is little information on levels of exposure in children from PVC toys, or in those working with recycled electronics. Levels of antimony in drinking water supplies and in food contact materials (FCMs) are regulated in Europe and the United States (U.S.). Studies on the general population of the U.S. indicate that urinary levels of antimony have decreased since 1999. Rodent studies have detected lung tumors with inhalation but not oral exposure to antimony, and increased levels of blood lipids with oral exposure. Additional animal cancer bioassays are needed to evaluate antimony trioxide’s potential as a carcinogen. While peripheral artery disease and preeclampsia have been reported in antimony-exposed humans, more studies are needed to evaluate these findings. Since antimony trichloride has some estrogenic properties, additional studies are needed to determine if other types of antimony, including antimony trioxide, have the potential to be endocrine disruptors. 
Antimony; Antimony trioxide; Pentavalent antimony; Polyethylene terephthalate; PET; Polyvinyl chloride; PVC; Metals; Food contact materials; FCM; Cancer; Endocrine disruption; Cardiovascular effects; Blood lipids; Immune function; Preeclampsia; Peripheral artery disease