A health hazard evaluation of antimony exposure in fire fighters.
OBJECTIVE
Some firefighter station uniforms contain the flame-retardant, antimony trioxide. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health investigated a possible outbreak of antimony toxicity wherein 30 firefighters reported elevated antimony levels on hair analyses.


METHODS
We surveyed and collected urine samples from firefighters not wearing (Fire Department A) and wearing (Fire Department B) antimony-containing pants. Urine antimony concentrations were measured and adjusted for creatinine.


RESULTS
All 20 participating firefighters from Fire Department A and 41 (97.6%) of 42 participating firefighters from Fire Department B had urine antimony concentrations below or within the national reference range. No differences in urine antimony levels between departments were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Wearing antimony-containing uniforms does not pose a risk for antimony toxicity. This investigation highlights the importance of using validated methods for toxicity determination and of accurate, timely risk communication.
de Perio
Marie A
MA
Division of Surveillance, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. Mdeperio@cdc.gov
Durgam
Srinivas
S
Caldwell
Kathleen L
KL
Eisenberg
Judith
J
D000965:Antimony / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000009:adverse effects; D006197:Hair / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009314:National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011481:Protective Clothing / Q000009:adverse effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States
D005411:Flame Retardants; D000965:Antimony