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.
Because aluminum is found in food, water, air, and soil, people may be exposed to high levels of aluminum when they:
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 any of the following symptoms, see your doctor, especially if you have kidney disease or are on dialysis:
Complications may include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include the following:
The diagnosis is usually made by typical symptoms along with high aluminum in the blood. Aluminum in the bone marrow will confirm the diagnosis.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
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.
You will be instructed on how to avoid exposure to excess aluminum from your diet and other sources.
To help reduce your chances of getting aluminum toxicity, take steps to avoid the following if they contain aluminum:
Talk to your doctor about your risk of aluminum poisoning from dialysis and total parenteral nutrition solutions.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Environmental Protection Agency
Association of the Chemical Profession of Ontario
Guide to Less Toxic Products
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Toxic substances portal: Aluminum. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/TF.asp?id=190&tid=34. Updated March 12, 2015. Accessed March 16, 2018.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
