Aluminum

Updated: January 25th, 2010 |

HEALTH CONCERNS
Is this chemical a carcinogen?	Suspected.
How will this affect me?	A small percentage of people are allergic to Aluminum and experience contact dermatitis, digestive disorders, vomiting or other symptoms upon contact or ingestion of products containing Aluminum, such as deodorants or antacids. Studies have shown that consumption of acidic foods or liquids with Aluminum significantly increases Aluminum absorption. The use of Aluminum cookware has not been shown to lead to Aluminum toxicity. Because Aluminum competes with calcium for absorption, increased amounts of dietary Aluminum may contribute to the reduced skeletal mineralization (osteopenia) observed in preterm infants and infants with growth retardation. Aluminum presents some toxic effects in elevated concentrations. Its toxicity can be traced to deposition in bone and the central nervous system, which is particularly increased in patients with reduced renal function. In very high doses, Aluminum can cause neurotoxicity, and is associated with altered function of the blood-brain barrier. Aluminum increases estrogen-related gene expression in human breast cancer cells cultured in the laboratory. These salts’ estrogen-like effects have led to their classification as a metalloestrogen. In any event, if there is any toxicity of Aluminum, it must be via a very specific mechanism, since total human exposure to the element in the form of naturally occurring clay in soil and dust is enormously large over a lifetime. Scientific consensus does not yet exist about whether Aluminum exposure could directly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum in Vaccines The purpose of the aluminum compounds is to dramatically boost the immune reaction to the vaccine and make it prolonged, since some of the aluminum remains in the site of injection for years. Aluminum was first added to vaccines in 1926. Many of the other components added to the vaccines also boost immunity, especially that of undesirable components of the immune system, such as the B-cells. Because these vaccine adjuvants are designed to produce a prolonged immune stimulation, they pose a particular hazard to the developing nervous system. Studies have shown that immune activation can last as long as two years after vaccination. This means that the brain’s microglial cells are also primed for the same length of time, and possibly longer. A new emerging syndrome called macrophagic myofasciitis has been attributed to the aluminum adjuvant in vaccines and is especially associated with the hepatitis B vaccine and the tetanus vaccine. Victims of this syndrome suffer severe muscle and joint pains, severe weakness, and chronic fatigue, forming a syndrome that meets both Center for Disease Control and Oxford criteria for the so-called chronic fatigue syndrome. Studies indicate that aluminum from vaccines is redistributed to numerous organs including brain, where it accumulates. Each vaccine adds to this tissue level of aluminum. Subsequent studies, since the syndrome was first described in France, indicate widespread, severe brain injury as well, as confirmed by MRI scanning. This brain syndrome has been described in American children as well.
Are there controversial issues?	Rumors surfaced on the Internet in the 1990s that antiperspirants have a link in causing breast cancer. Because of its potentially toxic effects, Aluminum’s use in some antiperspirants, dyes, and food additives is controversial. Rumors that antiperspirants have a link in causing breast cancer are now widely considered to be an urban myth. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), these claims are largely unsubstantiated by scientific research. A popular alternative to modern commercial deodorants is ammonium alum, which is a common type of alum sold in crystal form. It has been used as a deodorant throughout history in Thailand, the Far East, Mexico and other countries. Aluminum has controversially been implicated as a factor in Alzheimer’s disease. According to The Alzheimer’s Society, the overwhelming medical and scientific opinion is that studies have not convincingly demonstrated a causal relationship between Aluminum and Alzheimer’s disease. Nevertheless, some studies cite Aluminum exposure as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, as some brain plaques have been found to contain increased levels of the metal. Research in this area has been inconclusive; Aluminum accumulation may be a consequence of the disease rather than a causal agent. Aluminum may contaminate the drink as some aluminum has been shown to leach into the contents. Recently, some concern has been expressed over the level of aluminum in various beverages such as tea. Aluminum beverage cans are widely used and are thought to contaminate the drink as some aluminum has been shown to leach into the contents. The greatest dietary source of aluminum is biscuits, pancakes, black tea and baked goods made with aluminum-containing baking powder.