Atomic Number:	13
Atomic Symbol:	Al
Atomic Weight:	26.98154
Electron Configuration:	2-8-3

 

TITLE	Aluminum (Al)
FORMS	Silver-grey metal, Aluminum oxide Al2O3, Bauxite AlO(OH), Gibbsite Al(OH)3
GENERAL INFORMATION	Natural human exposure is unavoidable, and moderate amounts of the element enter the body constantly through inhalation of atmospheric dusts and ingestion of food and drink No known physiologic need exists for aluminum - it is a non-essential metal; however, because of its atomic size and electric charge, it is sometimes a competitive inhibitor of several essential elements of similar characteristics, such as magnesium, calcium, and iron (1) ~ 95% aluminum load becomes bound to transferrin and albumin intravascularly and is then eliminated by the kidneys. Aluminum also has a direct effect on hematopoiesis. Excess aluminum has been shown to induce anemia. Aluminum toxicity is usually found in patients with impaired renal function Research shows that aluminum builds up in the body over time; thus, the health hazard to older people is greater.
SOURCES	Aluminum cookware, some baking powders, some fluoridated drinking water, antacid medications, and from occupational exposure
EXPOSURE	Short-term Acute intoxication is extremely rare. Blood and urine levels may not reflect the body's burden from aluminum exposure (2). Long-term May increase chances of developing Alzheimer-like disease (3), kidney problems, neuromuscular disorders, hemolysis, porphyria, anemia, osteoporosis, liver and kidney dysfunction.
TOXICITY	Signs/Symptoms Signs and symptoms of aluminum toxicity are usually nonspecific. Some signs include, flatulence, headaches, weak/aching muscles, bone pain, premature osteoporosis, multiple nonhealing fractures, premature osteoporosis, proximal muscle weakness, and acute or subacute alteration in mental status, dry skin, cavities, colds excessive perspiration. These patients typically have some degree of renal disease
MONITORING	Adult Testing Plasma/Serum: 0-371 nmol/L Random Urine: 0.00 -0.63 umol/L 0.0 - 82.9 umol/mol creatinine 24h Urine: 0.00 - 0.93 nmol/d Renal Impairment: Levels below 1000 nmol/L in serum appear to cause no clinical problems in the short term. Levels above 1,000 nmol/L should be viewed with concern and require careful monitoring. Levels above 3,700 nmol/L are considered toxic and may require therapy with desferrioxamine (DFO) chelation. Chronic renal failure (after DFO therapy) can show a 2-5 fold increase over pre-treatment levels. This may decrease following haemodialysis and continued therapy. Hair: 0 - 0.296 umol/g
TREATMENT OPTIONS	Precautions The usual diet contains 2-10 mg/d of aluminum of which <1% is absorbed, but may be higher depending upon the food consumed. For example, 250 mL of tea contains approximately 0.3-1.3 mg of aluminum, and 100 g of chocolate contains approximately 1.2 mg of aluminum. Antacids which contain aluminum (250 mg/tablet) show greater intestinal absorption in the presence of citrate (ie. from citrus juices). None of the above, with normal renal function, usually causes elevated levels in the blood. Despite man's environmental and dietary exposure to aluminum, the lung, skin and GI tract act as almost complete barriers to aluminum absorption. The small amount of aluminum that is absorbed is excreted up to a rate of 0.5 mg/d.
REFERENCES	1. http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic113.htm 2. Industrial diseases standard panel report #1381 3. Am J Epidemiol 2000;152:50-66.

 

 Sample Requirements (click on cell)
 

Reference range

Method of analysis: High Resolution ICP/MS

Test available:  Monday - Friday  0800 - 1600 h
Turnaround time:  Average 3-5 d
Maximum 10 d

* Aluminum can be performed on either Plasma or Serum. The Reference Range is the same for both.

March 27, 2008