ACTSNYC@cs.com on wed 12 apr 00
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2000 15:23:29 EDT
> From: Ray Aldridge
> Reply-To: Ceramic Arts Discussion List
> To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
> Subject: Saftey of alumina in glazes
> Resent-Subject: Saftey of alumina in glazes
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> The evidence of aluminum's role in Alzheimer's is pretty tenuous, and is
> based on 20 year old observations that autopsied victims' brains contain
> elevated amounts of the element. But this does not, obviously, prove that
> aluminum had anything to do with the condition, since there's no way to
> know which came first. Healthy old folks also have elevated levels of
> aluminum, so it may simply be an accelerated symptom of aging. However...
> there is a study that shows increased rates of AD among elderly populations
> whose drinking water contains high levels of aluminum, in the form of
> aluminum sulphate, which is used to remove particulates from drinking water
> in some areas.
>
> Still, aluminum is the third most common element in the Earth's crust, and
> it strikes me as absurd that we would have evolved with a vulnerability to
> such a common element, at least in its usual unrefined forms. Furthermore,
> the forms in which potters use this element are remarkably insoluble-- far
> less bioavailable than metallic aluminum (or rather the salts which form on
> aluminum pots and pans.)
>
> If there were really anything to worry about, then why don't a whole lot of
> old potters suffer from AD? We spend all day with our hands immersed in
> alumina. > Ray
Same problem with your reasoning, Ray. The alumina dust and clay dusts are
insoluble forms. You can have your hands in them forever and not absorb
aluminum.
I agree, as I said before, that the data on aluminum and Alzheimer's is not
clear. But you mention the interesting data on Alzheimer's in the places
where aluminum sulfate is used in the water. This may be significant because
a small amount of the aluminum sulfate is in solution. EPA's standard for
aluminum in water is 0.2 ppm, based primarily on the aluminum taste it
imparts. Since only acute data is known and the chronic hazards are still up
for debate, no one has set a chronic toxicity exposure level in water.
There are standard for inhalation:
Alumina (insoluble)--------10 mg/m3
Aluminum welding fume---5 mg/m3
Aluminum salts (soluble)--2 mg/m3
So even by inhalation, it is the soluble salts that are most restricted.
Monona Rossol
ACTS
181 Thompson St., # 23
NYC NY 10012-2586 212/777-0062
ACTSNYC@cs.com
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