Health and well being   Aluminium
is the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust.
It occurs in various chemical forms in most rocks and soils,
in vegetation and is found naturally in most water supplies
and as part of dust particles in the air.
It is important to realise that life and human civilisation
have developed in an aluminium
rich environment.
It has been estimated that the average human body contains
between 35 and 50 mg of aluminium, of which approximately
50% in the lungs, 25% in the soft tissue and 25% in the bones.
Moreover, aluminium makes a valuable contribution to healthy
living in facilitating the provision of clean and safe water
supplies, in medicinal treatments and in emergency protection
aids.
Most water authorities throughout the world use aluminium
sulphate as a “flocculant” in purifying the public
water supplies. When added to the water, the aluminium compound
attracts small particles, unwanted chemicals and potentially
harmful organisms and bacteria, thus allowing them to be filtered
out.
Aluminium sulphate is effective, safe to handle and has become
the benchmark in water treatment.
In medicine, aluminium compounds are prescribed by doctors
for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Even more widespread
use is made of aluminium compounds in non-prescription drugs
and toiletries such as antacids, antiperspirants, antiseptic
solutions.
 Aluminium
is recognised for medicine uses by the World Health Organisation.
In the preservation and saving of life in extreme temperatures
and conditions, the reflective and barrier properties of aluminium
are put to use in a variety of ways. Protective fire “suits”,
thermal recovery blankets and fire tents often have a metallic
coating or foil layer which greatly enhances insulation.
Please find below some fact sheets regardin aluminium &
health
Aluminium in the environment - Aluminium in the Body (link
to pdf)
What is Alzheimer’s disease? (link to pdf)
Does aluminium play a role in Alzheimer’s disease? (link
to pdf)
Aluminium in medicine (link to pdf)
Aluminium chemicals in water treatment (link to pdf)
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