Antimony
Metal most commonly used as a flame retardant and occasionally as solder in plumbing. High levels of antimony in drinking water are rare. However, antimony levels can be elevated if drinking water sources are exposed to industrial discharges, contaminated by wastewater, or potentially leachate from antimony-containing solder. Health protective levels of antimony in drinking water are based on animal studies that show long term exposure may result in adverse health effects, including liver damage and reduced longevity.
EPA MCLG Level
6 ppb
Maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest science
Health Effects
Health protective levels of antimony in drinking water have been established based on liver toxicity and reduced longevity observed in animal studies. Additional animal studies have shown that lifetime exposure to high levels of antimony in drinking water can result in blood toxicity, changes in blood cholesterol levels, and decreased blood sugar.
Affected Organs & Systems:
Common Sources
- Main sources of antimony in drinking water are discharge from petroleum refineries and leaching from metal plumbing and fittings
- Also enters the environment through natural weathering and a variety of human-made sources including mining wastes, manufacturing of flame retardants, ceramics, and electronics, runoff from fertilizers, leaching from landfills, and fossil fuel combustion
How to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Antimony:
EPA MCLG Level
The EPA MCLG represents the maximum level that poses minimal health risk based on the latest scientific research. It's often more protective than federal legal limits.
Contaminant Type
Antimony is classified as a Metals contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the blood, liver.
Check Your Water
Find out if Antimony is in your tap water.
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