Antimony pentachloride

Exposure related observations in humans: other data

Administrative data

Endpoint:

exposure-related observations in humans: other data

Type of information:

other: human case study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Study does not totally comply with the specific testing guideline, but reasonably are well-documented.

Data source

Reference

Reference Type:

publication

Title:

Biomonitoring of a worker population exposed to low antimony trioxide levels

Author:

Iavicoli I, Caroli S, Alimonti A, Petrucci F and Carelli G

Year:

2002

Bibliographic source:

J Trace Elem Med Biol 2002; 16: 33-39

Materials and methods

Type of study / information:

Survey data of workers in a textile plant

Endpoint addressed:

basic toxicokinetics

Test guideline

Guideline:

other: no guideline specified

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Air borne levels and urine levels of antimony were measured in a textile plant / of workers in a textile plant. Higher and less exposed workers were
differentiated and compared to a control group. The survey period was 5 days, from which at day 4 the flame retardant was prepared and utilized.

GLP compliance:

no

Remarks:

not applicable

Test material

Test material information

1

Reference substance name:

Antimony

EC Number:

231-146-5

EC Name:

Antimony

Cas Number:

7440-36-0

Molecular formula:

Sb

IUPAC Name:

antimony(3+)

Test material form:

not specified

Method

Ethical approval:

confirmed, but no further information available

Details on study design:

- the aim of this study was to monitor Sb2O3 exposure by measuring airborne and urinary concentrations in workers of textile industry exposed to
low levels of Sb2O3

Exposure assessment:

measured

Details on exposure:

TYPE OF EXPOSURE:
- exposure from dust in the air (permanat) and direct contact to the compound during preparing the machines, preparing and utilizing the flame
retardant and cleaning the machines

TYPE OF EXPOSURE MEASUREMENT: Area air sampling and Personal sampling

EXPOSURE LEVELS: various

EXPOSURE PERIOD: various

DESCRIPTION / DELINEATION OF EXPOSURE GROUPS / CATEGORIES:
- there is a turnover of workers at the different working places (during the survey period)
- higher exposure worker: the finishing, intermediate and coupling operators
less exposed workers: jet operators control group

- no other details on exposure are stated

Results and discussion

Results:

- no significant correlation was found between personal exposures and the difference between the urinary levels at the beginning and the end of the shift
- the mean personal exposure level of "higher exposure worker" over the week was significantly higher than that of jet operators and controls
- the mean personal exposure level of jet operators was significantly higher than for the controls
- the urine levels of Sb measured at the beginning and end of the shift did not vary significantly in any worker, no correlation personal exposure levels and urine levels found
- all urinary levels in all workers were higher than in the control group

Any other information on results incl. tables

- even at very low exposure levels a reduction in exposure levels as distance from the exposure source increased was detected

- the mean value (air) of all personal sampling was significantly higher an day 4 than on day 1 and 2; but no significant difference to day 3 and 5 (preparation and cleaning of machines)

RESULTS:

- Sb2O3 levels in the air

day 1 and 2 = 0.04 µg Sb/m3 (mean); 0.09 µg Sb/m3 (personal sampling max.)

day 3 and 4 = 0.11 µg Sb/m3 (mean); 0.36 µg Sb/m3 (day 3 personal sampling max.); 0.55 µg Sb/m3 (day 4 personal sampling max.); 1.45 µg Sb/m3 (day 4 area sampling max.)

day 5 = 0.07 µg Sb/m3 (mean); 0.15 µg Sb/m3 (personal sampling max.)

- mean Sb2O3 levels in urines: "high exposure operators" : 0.39 µg/l (beginning of shift); 0.46 µg/l (end of shift)

"jet operators": 0.18 µg/l (beginning and end of shift)

all operators: 0.31 µg/l (beginning of shift); 0.36 µg/l (end of shift)

controls: 0.10 µg/l (in the morning)