Inhalation aluminum

Fine metallic aluminum powders inhaled by hamsters and guinea pigs caused no pulmonary fibrosis in rats that inhaled the dust, small scars resulted from foci of lipid pneumonitis. Alveolar proteinosis developed in all three species it resolved spontaneously, and the accumulated dust deposits cleared rapidly from the lungs after cessation of the exposure. The failure of inhaled aluminum powder to cause pulmonary fibrosis in experimental animals parallels the clinical experience in the United States, where pulmonary fibrosis has not been observed in aluminum workers. ... 

In general, these occupational exposure studies poorly characterize aluminum exposure. Some of the studies reported aluminum air concentrations for a single time period (Dick et al. 1997 Sim et al. 1997 Sjogren et al. 1996 White et al. 1992), but did not have earlier monitoring data when aluminum exposures were higher. The lack of adequate exposure monitoring data and the different types of aluminum exposure makes it difficult to compare these studies and draw conclusions regarding the neurotoxic potential of inhaled aluminum in workers. 

Investigations, particularly in the field of occupational medicine [5-7], indicate a direct absorption of inhaled aluminum in the lungs. The amount of the absorbed aluminum seems to be dependent on the respective size of particles. A few research groups, however, discuss a secondary gastrointestinal absorption of inhaled aluminum [8]. Functionally, it is assumed that aluminum particles are transported via the absorption epithelium of the respiratory tracts in the direction of the pharynx and then swallowed. The amount of inhaled aluminum dust from the environment can be neglected according to the present state of knowledge. 

Shipping of aluminum hydroxide powders is usually in paper bags of 10 to 25 kg size. Bulk shipment by road or rail wagons is also common. Aluminum hydroxides are not hygroscopic, but could be dusty and precautions against dust inhalation should be taken during handling. 

Shipment nd Stora.ge, Sulfur monochloride is minimally corrosive to carbon steel and iron when dry. If it is necessary to avoid discoloration caused by iron sulfide formation or chloride stress cracking, 310 stainless steel should be used. Sulfur monochloride is shipped in tank cars, tank tmcks, and steel dmms. When wet, it behaves like hydrochloric acid and attacks steel, cast iron, aluminum, stainless steels, copper and copper alloys, and many nickel-based materials. Alloys of 62 Ni—28 Mo and 54 Ni—15 Cr—16 Mo are useful under these conditions. Under DOT HM-181 sulfur monochloride is classified as a Poison Inhalation Hazard (PIH) Zone B, as well as a Corrosive Material (DOT Hazard Class B). Shipment information is available (140). 

Aluminum dust and fine powder are highly explosive and can spontaneously burst into flames in air. When treated with acids, aluminum chips and coarse powder release hydrogen. The heat from the chemical reaction can then cause the hydrogen to burn or explode. Pure aluminum foil or sheet metal can burn in air when exposed to a hot enough flame. Fumes from aluminum welding are toxic if inhaled. 

Toxicology. Exposure to aluminum may cause subtle neurological effects, and massive inhalation of aluminum dusts may cause pulmonary effects. 

Evidence of the relatively benign nature of aluminum dust in measured concentrations lies in the 27-year experience of administration of freshly milled metal particles to workers exposed to silica as a suggested means of inhibiting the development of silicosis. Inhalation of aluminum powder of particle size of 1.2 p, (96%), over 10- or 20-minute periods several times weekly, resulted in no adverse health effects among thousands of workers over several years. 

Aluminum does not appear to be a potential carcinogen. It has not been shown to be carcinogenic in human epidemiological studies or in animal studies after oral or inhalation exposure. 

Gaffuri E Pulmonary changes and aluminum levels following inhalation of alumina dust a study of four exposed workers. Med Lav 76 222-227, 1985... 

Beryllium metal, beryllium-aluminum alloy, beryl ore, beryllium chloride, beryllium fluoride, beryllium hydroxide, beryllium sulfate, and beryllium oxide all produce lung tumors in rats exposed by inhalation or intra-tracheally. The oxide and the sulfate produce lung tumors in monkeys after intrabronchial implantation or inhalation. A number of compounds produce osteosarcomas in rabbits after their intravenous or intramedullary administration. ... 

Inhalation of phosphine released after fumigation with aluminum phosphide on a grain freighter resulted in acute illnesses... 

Finely divided aluminum dust is moderately flammable and explodes by heat or contact with strong oxidizing chemicals. Chronic inhalation of the powder can cause aluminosis, a type of pulmonary fibrosis. It is almost nontoxic by ingestion. 

A. There are not yet commercial vaporizers optimized for smoking Salvia. Salvia leaf, extract, or salvinorin can be vaporized on heated aluminum foil and inhaled with a straw. Alternatively, homemade vaporizer units can be constructed, or units designed for consumption of cannabis or tobacco can be used. Many commercial units are either not hot enough (won t vaporize) or too hot (will carbonize) for optimum vaporization of salvinorin. 

Inhalation of the vaporized compound. The material was placed on a piece of aluminum foil. A butane micro torch was then held beneath the foil until the material was seen to vaporize. As soon as this began, the vapors were inhaled... 

Al is generally considered non-toxic, except when it is inhaled in the form of dust (Ref 23)(See under Aluminum Dust)... 

Most of the early experiments with salvinorin A were performed by inhaling the vaporized crystal using the following technique. The salvinorin A was placed on the center of a piece of thick aluminum foil, which was heated from below with a butane micro-torch or "jet flame" lighten As the salvinorin A turned to a white vapor, the vapors were inhaled through a 15mm diameter glass tube. This technique requires careful performance. If one inhales before the crystal has been melted, the solid material wilt be taken into the mouth and will not produce the desired effects. However, if one waits more than a... 

I placed 2.6 mg. of the material to be tested on a small piece of aluminum foil. I held a small torch under it, and as soon as the substance vaporized, I inhaled the fumes through a piece of glass tubing. I waited for awhile and decided that nothing was going to happen. The last words to... 

Sodium thiosulfate and aluminum potassium sulfate are not very toxic upon skin and eye contact, and sodium thiosulfate is moderately toxic if inhaled, as is sodium hydrogen sulfite. However, sodium hydrogen sulfite is toxic if ingested. 

Levels of Significant Exposure to Aluminum - Inhalation 2-2 Levels of Significant Exposure to Aluminum - Oral... 

Estimates of exposure levels posing minimal risk to humans (Minimal Risk Levels or MRLs) have been made for aluminum. An MRL is defined as an estimate of daily human exposure to a substance that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse effects (noncarcinogenic) over a specified duration of exposure. MRLs are derived when reliable and sufficient data exist to identify the target organs(s) of effect or the most sensitive health effect(s) for a specific duration within a given route of exposure. MRLs are based on noncancer health effects only and do not reflect a consideration of carcinogenic effects. MRLs can be derived for acute, intermediate, and chronic duration exposure for inhalation and oral routes. Appropriate methodology does not exist to develop MRLs for dermal exposure. 

No studies were located regarding death following acute- or intermediate-duration inhalation exposure to various forms of aluminum in humans. 

Of the experiments performed in animals, none has shown death from inhalation exposure to aluminum or its compounds. For example, no deaths were reported following an acute 4-hour exposure to up to 1,000 mg Al/m3 as aluminum oxide in groups of 12-18 male Fischer 344 rats (Thomson et al. 1986) or... 

The highest NOAEL values and all LOAEL values for inhalation exposure from each reliable study for systemic effects in each species and duration category for aluminum are shown in Table 2-1 and plotted in Figure 2-1. 

Table 2-1. Levels of Significant Exposure to Aluminum and Compounds - Inhalation... 

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