Synonyms
Aluminum contact dermatitis; Delayed aluminum hypersensitivity
Definition
Aluminum contact allergy is defined as an inflammatory process caused by contact with exogenous aluminum.
Introduction
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust and the third most abundant of all elements (after oxygen and silicon). Almost all metallic aluminum is produced from bauxite. Despite its natural abundance, aluminum has no known function in biology. It is remarkably nontoxic but some toxicity can be traced to deposition in bone and the central nervous system.
Uses
Aluminum compounds are widely used. It is present in drinking water, especially in urban areas, as well as in food such as soy-based milk products, baking powder, frozen products, and many more. Many food additives such as preservatives, coloring, leavening, and anticaking agents are intentionally mixed with aluminum. Furthermore, aluminum is used in water purification, sugar refining, and brewing. Many drugs use...
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Cimbollek, S. (2014). Aluminum Allergy. In: Mackay, I.R., Rose, N.R., Ledford, D.K., Lockey, R.F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Medical Immunology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9194-1_567
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-9194-1_567
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