Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of antimony trioxide in Wistar Han [Crl:WI (Han)] rats and B6C3F1/N mice (inhalation studies).

Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3) is used as a flame retardant in canvas, textiles, paper, and plastics and in combination with some chlorinated or brominated flame retardants on commercial furniture, draperies, wall coverings, and carpets. It is also used in batteries, enamels and paint pigment, and ceramics and fiberglass. Occupationally, the major sources of exposure to antimony exist in the metal ore smelting and mining industries. Antimony trioxide was nominated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for National Toxicology Program testing due to the potential for substantial human exposure in occupational settings and the lack of adequate 2-year exposure carcinogenicity studies. Male and female Wistar Han [Crl:WI (Han)] rats and B6C3F1/N mice were exposed to antimony trioxide (greater than 99.9% pure) by inhalation for 2 weeks or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in rat and mouse peripheral blood erythrocytes, peripheral blood leukocytes, and lung cells. (Abstract Abridged).