Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The article provides a comprehensive review of the toxicological effects and biokinetics of aluminum exposure, particularly through pulmonary inhalation. The review discusses occupational risks, the potential for long-term aluminum retention in the body, and the resultant health effects, focusing on lung function, inflammation, fibrosis, and neurotoxicity. The article also includes data from human and animal studies that assess aluminum levels in bodily fluids and tissues, as well as the harmful effects of aluminum exposure from industrial sources, such as welding, smelting, and aluminum powder production.
Who is affected?
This review primarily affects workers in industries such as aluminum smelting, welding, and manufacturing, where occupational exposure to aluminum dust and fumes is common. Workers in potrooms, foundries, and aluminum production plants are especially at risk due to prolonged exposure to aluminum oxide and other forms of aluminum. Additionally, individuals exposed to aluminum from air pollution or through consumer products, such as antiperspirants, cosmetics, and certain medications, may also be at risk. Vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing respiratory or neurological conditions, are more susceptible to the adverse effects of aluminum exposure.
Most important findings
The review emphasizes that aluminum exposure, particularly via inhalation, can lead to significant health risks, including pulmonary inflammation, lung fibrosis, and neurotoxicity. Studies show that long-term exposure to aluminum dust and fumes can result in increased aluminum levels in bodily fluids like serum and urine. The review identifies several studies that measured aluminum in the blood and urine of exposed workers, noting elevated levels in aluminum welders and smelters. In animal studies, exposure to aluminum oxide and other aluminum compounds resulted in lung inflammation, fibrosis, and changes in lung function.
Key implications
The findings have important implications for both industry and public health. For industry stakeholders, particularly in aluminum production and manufacturing, there is a need to implement stricter exposure controls to minimize inhalation risks. This includes improving ventilation systems, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and monitoring air quality in workspaces. Public health authorities must update regulations and safety standards to limit aluminum exposure, particularly in occupational settings. The findings also underscore the importance of regular health monitoring for workers exposed to aluminum, with a focus on lung function and neurological health. Furthermore, there is a need for more research into the long-term effects of aluminum exposure on human health, as well as the development of safer alternatives to aluminum in industrial applications.
Citation
Hadrup, N., Sørli, J. B., Jenssen, B. M., Vogel, U., & Sharma, A. K. (2024). Toxicity and biokinetics following pulmonary exposure to aluminium (aluminum): A review. Toxicology, 506, 153874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2024.153874
Aluminum is a pervasive metal found in a wide range of consumer products, from food packaging and cookware to medications and personal care items. Although often overlooked, aluminum exposure can accumulate over time, posing long-term health risks, especially to vulnerable populations like infants, children, and individuals with kidney conditions.
