Antimony is a toxic contaminate that is commonly used in solder, flame retardants, and other alloys. While it’s useful in many industrial applications, it can pose a health risk if it’s in your drinking water. This article will cover how Antimony can get into your drinking water, how to test for it, and what to do if you do have Antimony in your drinking water.

 

Negative Health Effects of Antimony in Drinking Water

 

In the short term, elevated levels of Antimony can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause kidney, cardiovascular, metabolic, and developmental effects if a large enough amount is consumed. Antimony is not carcinogenic when ingested orally.

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA set the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is 6 ppb.

The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal is the maximum level of a containment in drinking water that is not expected to cause any known or anticipated health effects.

 

How Antimony gets into your drinking water

 

Industrial Pollution:

Antimony can be in industrial waste and can run-off into your drinking water. The most common industrial uses include flame retardants, ceramics, battery waste, and Antimony alloys.

 

PET Plastic:

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a polyester resin commonly used in water bottles. PET contains Antimony that can leach into your drinking water from the bottle. Very little is leached into water at room temperature. But at high temperatures (122 F) it can leach rapidly.

 

Mining:

When there are Mining and Smelting operations around your area, Antimony may be released into the environment from the ground. This can get into surface water and then into your water supply.

 

Plumbing:

The most common source of Antimony in drinking water is from metal plumbing and fittings. Because Antimony was used in solder and alloys it can leach into your drinking water over time.

 

How to test for Antimony in your drinking water

 

The only way to test for Antimony will be with laboratory testing. With a Safe Home Test Kit, your water will be tested at an EPA-Certified Lab. There are two options that will test for Antimony.

 

The first is our Premium Drinking Water Test Kit. This will test for 50 parameters and is the more affordable option of the two.

 

The other option is the Ultimate Drinking Water Test Kit. This will test for 200 parameters including Antimony. The Ultimate Drinking Water Test Kit will also test for herbicides and pesticides, so it is recommended when you are concerned about agricultural or industrial run-off in your area.

 

With both test kits, you will order the kit online and collect a drinking water sample. Then you’ll get free shipping to return the sample to our EPA-certified laboratory. Then we’ll let you know your results within 7-10 business days. The kits include everything you need.

 

How to remove Antimony from your drinking water

 

If your test finds that you have Antimony in your drinking water, there are a few treatment methods available.

 

Reverse Osmosis:

Reverse Osmosis water filters are typically rated to remove Antimony from your drinking water. Before having one installed, check with the manufacturer or installer that it is rated for the exact parameters you are concerned with.

 

Other Water Filters:

While Reverse Osmosis is one of the most common methods of water treatment, there are a variety of other options. Many of these will remove Antimony, talk to a local professional about what options are available in your area.