ALUMINUM
        Everyone is exposed to low levels of aluminum from food, air, and water. Exposure to high levels of aluminum affects breathing, the nervous system, and bones. High levels can also cause birth defects.

        What Is Aluminum? Aluminum occurs naturally and makes up about 8% of the surface of the earth. It is always found combined with other elements in the earth such as minerals and rocks.

        It is silver­white and flexible. It is often used in cooking utensils, containers, appliances, and building materials. It is used in several forms including aluminum nitrate, aluminum oxide, aluminum hydroxide (used in antacids), aluminum chlorohydrate (used in deodorants), and aluminum sulfate (used to treat drinking water). It is used in paints and fireworks, and to produce glass, rubber, and ceramics.

        How Might I Be Exposed to Aluminum? Eating small amounts of aluminum in food Breathing higher levels of aluminum dust in workplace air Drinking water with high levels of aluminum near waste sites, manufacturing plants, or areas naturally high in aluminum Eating substances containing high levels of aluminum (such as antacids) Very little enters your body from aluminum cooking utensils.

        How Can Aluminum Affect My Health? Low­level exposure to aluminum from food, air, water, or contact with skin is not thought to harm your health. Aluminum, however, is not a necessary substance for our bodies and too much may be harmful. Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer's disease because those patients have high levels of aluminum in their brains. We do not know whether aluminum causes the disease or whether the buildup of aluminum happens to people who already have the disease. There is no evidence that aluminum affects reproduction in people or animals.

        What Levels Protect Human Health? The California Department of Health has established a 1.0 ppm level for aluminum.




Source: http://www.ci.sf.ca.us/puc/wqfs/tocsec4.htm