Aluminium (also spelled aluminum) is a silvery-white metal with the chemical symbol Al and atomic number 13. It belongs to the boron group on the periodic table. While aluminium is not soluble in water, it is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, making up about 8% of its solid surface by weight.
Although pure aluminium is rarely found in nature (due to its high reactivity), it exists in over 270 minerals, most commonly in the ore bauxite. Aluminium is known for being lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, the latter due to passivation — a protective oxide layer that forms on its surface.
What is Aluminium used for?
Aluminium is used worldwide in countless industries and products. It is second only to iron in global metal usage.
Common applications include
Aerospace – aircraft and spacecraft parts
Transportation & construction – due to its strength and low weight
Alloys – aluminium forms easily with copper, zinc, magnesium, silicon, and manganese
Mirrors & telescopes – coated with thin aluminium layers for reflection
Electrical wires – especially in power lines and household wiring (noted to have caused safety issues due to expansion and corrosion)
Packaging – cans, foil, etc.
New technology – aluminium foam, made by releasing hydrogen into molten aluminium thickened with aluminium oxide or silicon carbide. This foam is used in space shuttles and traffic tunnels for lightweight, impact-resistant materials.
Aluminium is used in packaging materials, such as cans, foil, and other containers.
In the Environment
Aluminium cannot be destroyed, only transformed. In the air, it binds to small particles and can stay suspended for days.
In water, a small amount dissolves, and some plants can absorb it from the soil. However, aluminium does not build up significantly in plants or animals.
Sources of Emission and Routes of Exposure
Sources of Emission
General Population
People are commonly exposed to aluminium through:
Virtually all food, water, air, and soil contain some aluminium.
The average adult in the United States consumes about 7–9 mg of aluminium per day through food.
People may be exposed by living in areas with dusty air, or near aluminium mining or processing facilities, hazardous waste sites, or areas with naturally high aluminium levels.
Eating substances that contain high levels of aluminium (such as antacids), especially when consumed with citrus products, can increase aluminium intake.
Children and adults may also be exposed to small amounts of aluminium through vaccinations.
Aluminium cooking utensils contribute very little to overall exposure.
Aluminium intake from food and water is low, especially when compared to people who take aluminium-containing medications.
Inhalation exposure and skin contact (dermal exposure) may contribute a small amount to a person’s daily aluminium exposure.
Occupational Exposure
Workers may be exposed to higher levels of aluminium dust in:
Aluminium refineries
Factories making aluminium parts (e.g. in aircraft, cars, construction)
Aluminium welding
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation – mostly an issue in industrial or occupational settings
Ingestion (oral) – the main exposure route for most people through food, water, and medications
Skin contact (dermal) – a minor route, from using products like deodorants or sunscreens containing aluminium
Health Effects
Exposure to low levels of aluminium is generally not harmful, but high or prolonged exposure may lead to health issues.
Nervous System Effects
The nervous system is the most sensitive to aluminium toxicity.
In animals, aluminium exposure affects motor skills, sensation, and thinking ability.
These effects were seen in adult animals, young animals, and those exposed during pregnancy or nursing.
In workers, breathing aluminium dust or fumes has been linked to:
Lung problems, coughing
Abnormal chest X-rays
Decreased performance on neurological tests
Other Health Concerns
People with kidney disease may store excess aluminium, which may contribute to bone or brain diseases.
Some studies suggest a link between aluminium and Alzheimer’s disease, but results are inconclusive.
Long-term exposure may lead to skeletal effects, such as osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
In animal studies, high oral doses didn’t cause obvious physical damage but led to poor performance in strength and activity tests.
Reproductive Effects
There is no clear evidence aluminium affects human reproduction.
In animals, aluminium does not appear to affect fertility.
Safety
First Aid Measures
Eye Contact:
Remove contact lenses.
Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
Get medical help if irritation continues.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water.
Use an emollient if skin is irritated.
Seek medical attention if needed.
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Seek immediate medical help.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting unless told by medical personnel.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
If a large amount is swallowed, seek medical help immediately.
Loosen tight clothing.
Exposure Control & Personal Protection
Engineering Controls
Use ventilation systems (e.g., exhaust fans, enclosures) to reduce airborne dust or fumes.
If operations create dust, fumes, or mist, ensure levels stay below exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
For normal handling:
Safety glasses
Lab coat
Gloves
In case of a large spill:
Safety glasses
Lab coat
Gloves
Regulation
Exposure Limits
United States
OSHA: The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for aluminium is 15 milligrams per cubic metre (mg/m3) of air for total dust, and 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction, as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration [29 CFR 1910.1000, Table Z-1].
NIOSH: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established a recommended exposure limit (REL) for aluminium of 10 mg/m3 for total dust, and 5 mg/m3 for the respirable fraction, as a TWA for up to a 10-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek [NIOSH 1992].
ACGIH: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has assigned aluminium a threshold limit value (TLV) of 10 mg/m3 for metal dust, as a TWA for a normal 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek [ACGIH 1994, p. 12].
Australia
Safe Work Australia: Safe Work Australia has established a 8 hours time weighted average concentration for aluminium (metal dust)of 10 mg/m3 and aluminium (welding fumes) of 5 mg/m3.
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