#Aluminum #environmental #pollution: the silent killer

Reema H. Alasfar & Rima J. Isaifan, Published July 2021

Abstract

The concern about aluminum (Al) toxicity has been proven in various cases. Some cases are associated with the fact that Al is a #neurotoxic substance that has been found in high levels in the brain tissues of #alzheimers disease (AD), #epilepsy, and autism patients. Other cases are related to infants, especially premature infants and ones with renal failure, who are at the risk of developing the central nervous system (CNS) and bone toxicity. This risk is a result of #infants’ exposure to Al from milk #formulas, intravenous-feeding solutions, and possibly from aluminum-containing vaccinations. Furthermore, most antiperspirants contain aluminum compounds that raise human exposure to toxic Al. This review paper is intended to discuss in detail the above concerns associated with aluminum, and hence urges the need for more studies exploring the effects of overexposure to Al and recommending mitigation actions.

Some "anthropogenic sources of aluminum are #toothpaste, vaccination, #antiperspirants, and some drugs, including buffered aspirin and #antacids (Crisponi et al. 2013). Currently, there is a great concern that human exposure to toxic aluminum from numerous sources is raising the potential for harmful health effects. Aluminum has been recently associated with neurotoxicity (Klotz et al. 2017). Hence, in the following sections, the paper discusses the impacts of aluminum on human health based on several cases reported in the literature."

The paper goes on to say that, "the human body is dermally exposed to Al by applying antiperspirants and cosmetic products (de Ligt et al. 2018). Specifically, aluminum chlorohydrate is an important ingredient present in many antiperspirant brands to treat hyperhidrosis (de Ligt et al. 2018). The frequent use of these items means that Al is accumulated in the body (Borowska and Brzoska 2015). As mentioned previously, Al is a toxic metal which has been linked to AD and other neurological disorder, and in the long-term contributes to bone toxicity. Hence, measuring the concentration of Al in antiperspirants and cosmetics and how much absorbed by the skin is of great necessity to ensure safe dermal use of these products. Unfortunately, there are only very few studies concerned with dermal exposure to Al (Corkins 2019; de Ligt et al. 2018; Freundlich et al. 1985; Weintraub et al. 1986)."

#AluminumPollution #ToxicChemicals #BodyShaming #BodyOdor

Read more: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-021-14700-0

Any excuse to sell more chemicals packaged in non-recyclable #plastic

How #Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad

A schoolgirl and a former traveling Bible salesman helped turn deodorants and antiperspirants from niche toiletries into an $18 billion industry

by Sarah Everts, August 2, 2012

Before the invention of deodorants and antiperspirants, "most people’s solution to body odor was to wash regularly and then to overwhelm any emerging stink with perfume. Those concerned about sweat percolating through clothing wore #DressShields, cotton or rubber pads placed in armpit areas which protected fabric from the floods of perspiration on a hot day."

Early antiperspirants were (and still are) made with aluminum chloride suspended in acid: "The acid solution meant Odorono could irritate sensitive armpit skin and damage clothing. Adding insult to injury, the antiperspirant was also red-colored, so it could also stain clothing—if the acid didn’t eat right through it first. According to company records, customers complained that the product caused burning and inflammation in armpits and that it ruined many a fancy outfit, including one woman’s wedding dress.

"To avoid these problems, Odorono customers were advised to avoid shaving prior to use and to swab the product into armpits before bed, allowing time for the antiperspirant to dry thoroughly."

#PlasticPollution #AluminumPollution #ToxicChemicals #BodyShaming #BodyOdor

Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-advertisers-convinced-americans-they-smelled-bad-12552404/