Toxicity and biokinetics following pulmonary exposure to aluminium (aluminum): A review

During the manufacture and use of aluminium (aluminum), inhalation exposure may occur. We reviewed the pulmonary toxicity of this metal including its toxicokinetics. The normal serum/plasma level based on 17 studies was 5.7 ± 7.7 µg Al/L (mean ± SD). The normal urine level based on 15 studies was 7.7 ± 5.3 µg/L. Bodily fluid and tissue levels during occupational exposure are also provided, and the urine level was increased in aluminium welders (43 ± 33 µg/L) based on 7 studies. Some studies demonstrated that aluminium from occupational exposure can remain in the body for years. Excretion pathways include urine and faeces. Toxicity studies were mostly on aluminium flakes, aluminium oxide and aluminium chlorohydrate as well as on mixed exposure, e.g. in aluminium smelters. Endpoints affected by pulmonary aluminium exposure include body weight, lung function, lung fibrosis, pulmonary inflammation and neurotoxicity. In men exposed to aluminium oxide particles (3.2 µm) for two hours, lowest observed adverse effect concentration (LOAEC) was 4 mg Al2O3/m3 (= 2.1 mg Al/m3), based on increased neutrophils in sputum. With the note that a similar but not statistically significant increase was seen during control exposure. In animal studies LOAECs start at 0.3 mg Al/m3. In intratracheal instillation studies, all done with aluminium oxide and mainly nanomaterials, lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAELs) started at 1.3 mg Al/kg body weight (bw) (except one study with a LOAEL of ∼0.1 mg Al/kg bw). The collected data provide information regarding hazard identification and characterisation of pulmonary exposure to aluminium. •We reviewed the toxicity of pulmonary aluminium including its biokinetics.•Aluminium from occupational exposure can remain in the body for years.•Toxicological endpoints include body weight, effects in the lung, and neurotoxicity.•A lowest observed adverse effect concentration (LOAEC) was 4 mg Al2O3/m3 in humans.•LOAECs start at 0.3 mg Al/m3 in inhalation studies in animals.