What is Aluminum?

Aluminum is a metal we are all familiar with and a common substance in our daily lives (aluminum foil is one of the most used kitchen items). We find it in household items, vaccines, medications, color pigments, paints, explosives, propellants, and fuel additives. Household materials and products like ceramics, paper, light bulbs, glass, and heat-resistant fibers use oxides.

In food, anti-caking agents, coloring agents, emulsifiers, baking powder (but NOT baking soda), and sometimes soy-based infant formula use its compounds.

In the environment, aluminum comprises 8% of the Earth’s crust, making it the most plentiful metal found on the Earth’s surface. Because it is a very reactive element, you won’t find it as a free metal in nature.

Human activity increases the concentration of aluminum in our environment. Acid rain can mobilize it from the soil into water, and various industries release its compounds into our air. Nearby mines or industries which process and produce aluminum metal, alloys, and compounds can cause high environmental concentrations of aluminum. Coal power plants and incinerates can also release small amounts of aluminum into the environment.