- Aluminum (Chemical symbol : Al) or aluminium is the most readily available metal in the earth’s crust.
- It is found in the air, water and soil.
- It is lightweight, non-magnetic, silver in color and a good conductor of heat and electricity.
- Aluminum is never used on its own but mixed with other metals to improve its properties.
- Aluminum and its compounds are widely used in making various products, such as cookwares, cooking utensils, can food containers, can drinks, food wrappers, kitchen foil wrap, aircraft/rocket parts, home furniture, home decor accessories, drugs (e.g. antacid, indigestion medicine), window grills, deodorants, toys and so many more.
- Absoprtion of aluminum in the body is dependent on factors such as the type of aluminum compound, the kind of food, age and health status.
- This heavy metal is considered to be harmless to the human body when absorbed in small amounts but just as with any heavy metal (e.g. mercury, lead and cadmium), the body must not be overloaded with this toxin to an extent that it is unable flush it out. Toxic levels accelerate free-radical damage in the body.
Chapter: Aluminum :: 4 May 2007
