Proposition 65 | New Fact Sheet on Antimony Trioxide

What is antimony trioxide? 

Antimony trioxide is a chemical used in the manufacture of some polyethylene terephtahalate  (PET) plastic, which is used to make food and beverage containers.  These include ovenproof or microwavable plastic trays, as well as some plastic water bottles. It is also added to some flame retardants to make them more effective in consumer products, including upholstered furniture, textiles, carpeting, plastics, and children’s products.

As of January 2020, California has banned the sale and distribution of new upholstered furniture, mattresses, and certain children’s products made for residential use if they contain more than 0.1% of certain flame retardant-related chemicals, including antimony trioxide.

How does exposure to antimony trioxide?

Antimony trioxide can leach into food and beverages from some containers made with antimony trioxide that are exposed to high temperatures (especially above 110 °F). It can migrate into air and dust from some products made with antimony trioxide. During pregnancy, antimony trioxide can pass from mother to baby.

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