Summary
The occupational exposure, clinical findings, lung function and radiological characteristics of 51 workers in an antimony smelting plant are presented. The workers were exposed to the airbone dust containing a high concentration of antimony trioxide (up to 88%) and antimony pentoxide.
A particular X-ray picture was characterized by numerous small opacities densely distributed in the middle and lower lung fields, opacities of p, pinhead type. Sporadically pq type was seen, but never r type nor massive fibrosis (pmf). The pneumoconiotic changes developed after at least one decade of work. Nothing particular in clinical findings and lung function could be distinguished from other types of simple pneumoconioses. This pneumoconiosis is called-antimoniosis.
No systemic manifestation of antimony oxide intoxication was found, with the exception of skin changes, “antimony dermatosis”.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cherniack RM, Raber MB (1972) Normal standards for ventilatory function using an automated wedge spirometer. Am Rev Resp Dis 106:38–46
CIBA Guest Symposium (1959) Terminology, definitions and classifications. Thorax 14:286–290
Cooper D, Pendergrass EP, Vorwald AJ, Mayock RJ, Brieger H (1968) Pneumoconiosis among workers in an antimony industry. Am J Roentgenol, Rad Therapy Nuclear Med 103:3
ILO (1980) International classification of radiographs of the pneumoconioses. International Labour Office, Geneve
Jouasset D (1960) Normalisation des epreuves fonctionelles respiratoires dans les pays de le CEBA. Poumon et le Coeur 16:1145–1159
Karajovic D, Potkonjak V, Gospavic J (1960) Die Silikoantimonose. Arch Gewerbepath Gewerbehyg 17:651–665
Klucik I, Juck A, Gruberova J (1962) Respiratory and pulmonary lesions caused by antimony trioxide dust. Prac Lek 14:363–368
Klucik I, Urlich L (1962) Elektrocardiographic examination of workers in an antimony metallurgical foundry. Prac Lek 12 (1960) : (Cit.: Excerpta medica-Sectio XVII, 1962)
McCallum RI (1963) Work of an occupational service in environmental control. Ann Occupat Hyg 6:60–64
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Potkonjak, V., Pavlovich, M. Antimoniosis: A particular form of pneumoconiosis. Int. Arch Occup Environ Heath 51, 199–207 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377752
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00377752