Poisoning aluminum: What's it, treatment, symptoms, diagnostics, poisoning prevention

Description aluminum poisoning

Aluminum poisoning occurs, when a man in the body gets a large amount of this metal. Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth's crust and is present in the environment in combination with other elements. (eg, oxygen, silicon, fluorine). Exposure to aluminum, usually, not bad, but the impact of its high concentrations can lead to serious health problems.

Causes of aluminum poisoning

Since aluminum is virtually Whole Foods, water, the air, and soil, people can be exposed to high levels of aluminum in the following cases:

  • When consuming food, containing a high concentration of aluminum;
  • Inhalation of aluminum dust in the workplace;
  • If you live in a dusty environment;
  • If you stay in a place of production and processing of aluminum;
  • If you live near hazardous waste sites;
  • If you live in places, where aluminum is naturally increased concentration;
  • When receiving vaccinations, aluminum-containing.

Risk factors

Any person may develop this disease, but some people are more likely to develop aluminum toxicity. The likelihood of developing aluminum toxicity is increased by the following factors:

  • Age: elderly;
  • Reduced kidney function.

Symptoms of poisoning by aluminum

These symptoms may be caused by other diseases. You must inform your doctor, if they came any, especially in the presence of kidney disease on dialysis or finding:

  • Muscular weakness;
  • Pain in the bones;
  • Nezarastayuschie fractures, especially in ribs and pelvis;
  • Changes in mental status;
  • Osteoporosis;
  • Anemia;
  • Violation of the absorbability of iron;
  • Immunocompromised;
  • Convulsions;
  • Imbecility;
  • Stunting in children;
  • Spinal deformity: scoliosis or kyphosis.

Красные кровяные тельца

Diagnosis of poisoning by aluminum

The doctor performs a physical examination, and may appoint some tests:

  • Deferoxamine infusion, for determining the pathological deposition of aluminum;
  • X-rays of the long bones;
  • A blood test for anemia;
  • Bone biopsy to measure aluminum.

Treatment of poisoning by aluminum

Treatment options might include:

Medication

Deferoxamine infusions may be used to remove aluminum from the body.. This substance acts through reaction, known as chelation, which assists in the removal of toxic substances from the body.

Avoid accumulation of aluminum

The doctor can give instructions, avoiding contact with aluminum and its accumulation in the body.

Prevention of poisoning by aluminum

To reduce the chance of poisoning you must use caution with aluminium-containing substances:

  • Antacids;
  • Antiperspirantы (deodorants);
  • Dializatы (solution of chemicals, used dialysis);
  • Immunizations;
  • Solutions for parenteral nutrition.

Sources:
1. ATSDR. Aluminum.

2. J. Electrochem. Sci., 7 (2012) 4498–4509.

3. J. Electrochem. Sci., 6 (2011) 222–230.

4. ATSDR. ToxFAQ for aluminum.

5. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2011; 2011: 276393.

6. Neurotoxicology. 2000 Oct;21(5):813–28.

7. J Am Coll Nutr. 1985;4(1):121-8.

8. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2014 Jan;157(1):14–23.

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