An advocacy and research organisation, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), is hoping to educate the public about the toxin antimony, push manufacturers to stop using it and ensure that the federal government adheres to its oversight responsibilities.
Antimony is a naturally forming element and metalloid that is found predominantly as sulfide mineral stibnite and has been used by humans for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used it in cosmetics.
It is also a known carcinogen, chronic exposure to which has been reported to result in lung damage, skin irritation and stomach problems, and has been linked to reproductive issues.
Despite this, it continues to be used as a flame retardant in textiles and plastics, and is found in baby bibs, children’s shoes, clothes, toys and games.
The Environmental Protection Agency does not classify antimony as a carcinogen, although in a recent statement on antimony it said: “Respiratory effects, such as inflammation of the lungs, chronic bronchitis and chronic emphysema, are the primary effects noted from chronic (long-term) exposure to antimony in humans via inhalation.
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