Antimony

The most common source of antimony in drinking water is due to outdated plumbing and fittings dissolving; therefore, contamination can be managed through product control. 

WHO Limit

0.02 mg/l

Symptoms of General Antimony Contamination: 

  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhoea
  • Cardiac toxicity

Antimony III can cause: 

  • Headaches
  • Coughing
  • Anorexia
  • Optic nerve damage
  • Retinal bleeding

Treatment Methods: 

Conventional treatment methods will not remove antimony from drinking water; hence, alternative water source should be selected or water dilution to within concentration limit should be carried out. 

 

For Further Information:

WHO Water Quality Guidelines - 4th Edition

WHO Antimony in Drinking Water