Definition

Aluminum toxicity occurs when a person ingests or breathes high levels of aluminum into 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 where aluminum is mined or processed
  • Live near certain hazardous waste sites
  • Live where aluminum is naturally high

Risk

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:

  • Diminished kidney function
  • Hemodialysis
  • Drinking or ingesting substances that are high in aluminum
  • Living or working in an environment that contains high levels of aluminum
  • Receiving long-term IV nutrition
  • Living in dusty environments

Symptoms

If you have any of the following symptoms, see your doctor, 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

Red blood cells new
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

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include the following:

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

The diagnosis is usually made by typical symptoms along with high aluminum in the blood. Aluminum in the bone marrow will confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

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

Medications

The medication, deferoxamine mesylate, may be given to help eliminate aluminum from your body. This substance works through a procedure known as chelation, which helps the body remove poisonous materials.

Aluminum avoidance

You will be instructed on how to avoid exposure to excess aluminum from your diet and other sources.

Prevention

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

  • Antacids
  • Antiperspirants

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