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Biovolatilization of antimony and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Faculty of Applied Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK

P J Craig

Faculty of Applied Sciences, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK

W Goessler

Institute for Analytical Chemistry, Karl Franzens Universität Graz, Universitäetsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria

K J Irgolic

Institute for Analytical Chemistry, Karl Franzens Universität Graz, Universitäetsplatz 1, 8010 Graz, Austria

1 The aerobic filamentous fungus S. brevicaulis IMI 17297 methylated antimony from Sb₂O₃ substrate, with the formation of gaseous trimethylantimony (TMA). No evidence was found for the generation of other gaseous antimony compounds by this organism.

2 Biovolatilization of inorganic antimony was greatest during cultivation of the fungus on solid media at 258C, and occurred more readily from antimony (III) substrates than from antimony (V) substrates.

3 Under simulated cot environment conditions (CO₂ enriched atmosphere, 338C) the fungus exhibited an altered morphology and a reduced capability to volatilize inorganic antimony from the pure compound.

4 No evidence of antimony biovolatilization from cot mattress PVC was found, unless antimony was released from PVC by heat treatment (at 80 or 1008C).

5 These data suggest that normal cot environment conditions are non-optimal for volatilization of antimony by S. brevicaulis, and that Sb₂O₃ in cot mattress PVC is not bioavailable.

6 Cot mattress isolates of S. brevicaulis also volatilized antimony (not encapsulated by PVC), whereas those of other filamentous fungi (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria sp.) and of bacteria (Bacillus spp.) did not.

7 The oxidation products of TMA may be the true determinants of toxicity for biogenic antimony gases produced in an aerobic environment.

Key Words: biovolatilization • antimony • SIDS • trimethylantimony • PVC mattress covers

Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 17, No. 4, 231-238 (1998)
DOI: 10.1177/096032719801700406


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