Definition

Aluminum toxicity occurs when a person ingests or breathes high levels of aluminum in the body.

Aluminum is the most plentiful metal in the earth’s crust. It is present in the environment combined with other elements such as oxygen, silicon, and fluorine.

Exposure to aluminum is usually not harmful, but exposure to high levels can cause serious health problems. If you think you have been exposed to high levels of aluminum, contact your doctor.

Causes

Because aluminum is found in food, water, air, and soil, people may be exposed to high levels of aluminum when they:

• Drink or ingest substances containing high levels of aluminum
• Breath aluminum dust in workplace air
• Live in dusty environments
• Live where aluminum is mined or processed
• Live near certain hazardous waste sites
• Live where aluminum is naturally high
• Receive vaccinations containing aluminum

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop this condition, but certain people are more likely to develop aluminum toxicity. The following factors increase your chances of developing aluminum toxicity. If you have either of these risk factors, tell your doctor:

• Diminished kidney function
• Drinking or ingesting substances that are high in aluminum
• Living or working in an environment that contains high levels of aluminum

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is because of aluminum toxicity. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician, especially if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis.

• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain, deformities, and fractures
• Seizures
• Speech problems
• Slow growth—in children

Complications may include:

• Lung problems
• Nervous system problems causing difficulty with voluntary and involuntary actions
• Bone diseases
• Brain diseases and disorders
• Anemia
• Impaired iron absorption

Red Blood Cells

These vital cells transport oxygen through the body. Symptoms of aluminum toxicity such as anemia and impaired iron absorption decrease the number of red blood cells.

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Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include the following:

• Stool tests
• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Bone biopsy

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting aluminum toxicity, take steps to avoid the following, which may contain aluminum:

• Antacids
• Antiperspirants

Talk to your doctor about your risk of aluminum poisoning from dialysis, immunizations that contain aluminum, and total parenteral nutrition solutions.