How to Treat Antimony Poisoning

Antimony is an element with the atomic number 51. Occupational antimony poisoning is not as common as environmental poisoning, despite the recycling from lead storage batteries and its increased use in the semiconductor industry. Since antimony is a stable element, it cannot be broken down or otherwise destroyed. The following steps will help you identify and treat a case of antimony poisoning.

Instructions

• 1

  Know the symptoms of antimony poisoning. Small doses can cause dizziness, depression and headaches; larger doses cause frequent and violent vomiting and can kill in a few days. Prolonged exposure of antimony with the skin can cause an itchy inflammatory rash known as lichen planus.

• 2

  Perform first aid for antimony poisoning. Get outside for fresh air if inhalation is the suspected exposure route. For direct contact with the skin, remove the contaminated clothing, rinse and wash the skin with soap and water. Rinse out the mouth if antimony has been ingested.

• 3

  Get medical attention. Short-term exposure to antimony can best be detected in the urine. Long-term exposure should be easier to detect in the blood and hair.

• 4

  Begin measures to adequately hydrate the patient after antimony poisoning has been confirmed. Administer intravenous fluids and begin treatment with vasopressors.

• 5

  Start specific treatment. Decontaminate the stomach with gastric lavage and begin chelation therapy to bind the antimony away from blood proteins. Thiabendazole is generally regarded as the most effect chelating agent for antimony, although dimercaprol and succimer are also used.