What are the long term health effects of exposure to aluminum powder (uncoated)?
LUNG EFFECTS: No conclusions can be drawn regarding the possible long-term effects of aluminum on the lungs. Historically, several cases of scarring of lung tissue (pulmonary fibrosis) have been observed following prolonged or repeated occupational exposure to certain types of aluminum dust, either a molten pellet variety or stamped aluminum powder (also called pyro powder). Pulmonary fibrosis is a potentially serious lung disease which, in severe cases, may lead to death. Airborne dust concentrations required to produce the effects were not well documented and there was exposure to other chemicals at the same time. Some reviewers have concluded that the lung effects may have been related to a mineral oil-based lubricant historically used to treat pyro powders in Germany and the United Kingdom. Pulmonary fibrosis has not been observed following more recent occupational exposures to coarser granulated aluminum dust, manufactured from melted aluminum, aluminum pigment flake or pyro powde
