Is Aluminium evolving into something dangerous?
Silicon, which is not biologically reactive, has long been used by nature to prevent biologically reactive aluminium from affecting humans. However, experts are now suggesting that, thanks to humans extracting metals, aluminium is evolving to be harmful to biological organisms. Dr Chris Exley from Keele University, UK, explains that the activities of humans learning how to extract aluminium from its ores means that the earth’s ability to protect against the inherent toxicity of aluminium is being compromised. Consequently, biologically reactive aluminium is now an active participant in biochemical, and therefore human, evolution. Historically, this has always been naturally prevented by the presence of silicon, which counteracts aluminium’s harmful biological effects. The effects of aluminium on living organisms is already apparent, with the deaths of trees and fish in areas impacted by acid deposition. Luckily for humans, research shows that any effects of aluminium on people have not
