Health risk associated with dietary co-exposure to high levels of antimony and arsenic in the world's largest antimony mine area

► Antimony is now recognized as a global contaminant and has aroused the global concerns recently. However, knowledge is scarce concerning the transfer of antimony from the environment to humans and the related hazards to human health. ► This study was conducted in a large antimony mine area in China which is one of the largest antimony producers in the world. This study highlighted the difference of exposure characteristics between antimony and arsenic. ► Sb, rather than As, was the dominant contaminant posing health risks to the residents via dietary exposure in such areas with high environmental Sb background. Multi-route exposures are related to dominant dietary intake of antimony. In contrast, rice is the uniquely dominant dietary exposure route of arsenic.