Abstract

With strong evidence coming to light for the toxicity of aluminium (Al), especially to the brain, investigation into the effects of inhalation of low concentrations of Al dust in animal models has become important. This study follows up previous observations on the effects of Al on the concentrations of essential metals in serum of workers exposed to inhalation of low concentrations of Al dust, with a study of the concentrations of Al in tissues of rabbits exposed to Al dust at one twentieth of the threshold limit value (TLV). Even at this low concentration, the amount of Al in the brains of these animals was nearly two and a half times as high as that of the control animals. The concentrations in other tissues were similar to normal. At the same time, the concentrations of Al in the serum was only slightly raised, indicating that this variable is a poor marker for the effects of Al on the body. It is suggested that an extensive study is needed to determine a more correct TLV and health based permissible concentration for occupational exposure to Al.