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Antimony

This brittle, silvery white heavy metal occurs naturally in the Earth's crust. Antimony is mixed with other metals to form alloys that are used in materials such as pipes and solder; in powder form, it is added to some plastics and textiles to reduce their flammability. Mining releases it into the environment, as do incinerators and coal-burning power plants. The tiny particles can be carried by air and then settle-contaminating soil, streams, and lakes. Exposure to high levels of antimony (as may occur when working in industries that process the material) is hazardous, and can cause lung and heart problems and gastrointestinal upset, among other symptoms.

 

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