Aluminum Industrial Health and Safety

Abstract

Due to its versatility and unique properties, aluminum finds use in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. Occupational exposure to aluminum‐containing particulates or fumes at high levels can lead to potential occupational health risks. The inhalation toxicity of low soluble aluminum oxide is determined in most by particulate effects, including particle overload. Long‐term inhalation can cause pulmonary irritation, fibrosis, and occupational asthma. Accumulation of low soluble aluminum particles can overwhelm alveolar clearance and play a dominant role in lung irritation. The role of aluminum in the etiology of “potroom asthma” is uncertain due to the presence of co‐pollutants such as fluorides and sulfur dioxide. At present, there remains no convincing evidence that exposure to aluminum contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Aluminum smelter workers have been shown to be at increased risk of lung and bladder cancer, but this is ascribed to pitch smoke and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. No epidemiologic studies have examined pulmonary response after long‐term inhalation of aluminum oxide or hydroxide‐engineered nanomaterials. The European Chemicals Agency has developed new guidance on the development of health‐based occupational exposure limits in order to align REACH guidance with occupational health and safety legislation.