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How can acidic fruit juice cause antimony poisoning from enamelware containers?

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Antimony poisoning can occur when acidic fruit juices are stored in or consumed from cheap enamelware containers. In these instances, the acidic nature of the juice causes antimony oxide to dissolve from the container's glaze into the liquid.1

Once ingested, the antimony interferes with cellular metabolism by combining with enzymes, which are the organic catalysts of the cell. This process is similar to the mechanism of arsenic poisoning, and it can lead to harmful effects on body tissues and functions.1