Health risk due to aluminum in deodorants

Aluminum in deodorant can lead to exceeding the safe dose of health

03/20/2014

For several years, an increased uptake of aluminum has been linked to the development of breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Since the body already absorbs aluminum through food, the use of aluminum-containing deodorants and other cosmetics is viewed critically. „Mirror online“ talked with the toxicologist Detlef Wölfle about possible dangers.

Aluminum in deodorant could have neurotoxic effects
Aluminum encounters us in everyday life in many areas. Thus, the chemical element is found in rustproof construction material, in light metal in the automotive industry as well as in many packaging materials. In addition, aluminum is contained in medicines and vaccines as well as cosmetics. „It is naturally found in foods such as tea, cocoa, chocolate, lettuce and vegetables. Then it is also used as a food additive by the industry, for example, as a dye for coatings of sugar confectionery, for the decoration of cakes and pastry. It can also switch from aluminum pots or aluminum foil to food“, Wölfle explains to the online magazine. A life free of aluminum is therefore almost impossible.

Almost every deodorant now contains aluminum, with aluminum salts providing an antiperspirant effect by blocking the exits of the welding channels for a period of time. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) published an opinion on aluminum-containing deodorants in February of this year. Accordingly, the use of such products leads to an increased uptake of aluminum. However, according to current studies, not much is known about the effects of aluminum absorption via the skin. On the other hand, dietary intake has already been studied. Various studies have shown that high doses of Aliuminium have a neurotoxic effect in humans and an embryotoxic effect in animal experiments.

Professor Chris Exley of Keele University in England has been researching the toxic effects of aluminum since the 1980s. In an interview with the TV station „Arte“ he speaks of a nerve poison that the „Make people sick and even kill“ can. High levels of the substance would trigger an encephalopathy in the brain that would kill countless brain cells. In addition, aluminum has a negative effect on bone structure and formation.

Aluminum-containing deodorant could cause breast cancer
Exley is also convinced of a link between the use of aluminum-containing deodorant and the development of breast cancer. Wölfle is more cautious: „The study situation is contradictory. Various studies in breast cancer patients examined the levels of aluminum in breast tissue and compared healthy with diseased tissue. In some of these studies, there was evidence of a connection, not in others. On this basis, it is currently not possible to assess whether aluminum-containing deodorants increase the risk of breast cancer. We need more research on the subject.“

The European Food Safety Authority Efsa has set limits for the maximum tolerable weekly intake of aluminum. According to the BfR, however, these values ​​could already be achieved through feeding in some individuals. „In other words, the use of deodorants containing aluminum exceeds the recommended limits“, so Woelfel. „So you have to look for ways to reduce exposure to aluminum. The consumer can help by simply paying attention to some things.“

Use of aluminum-containing deodorants is foreseeable, in particular in the case of injuries to the skin or after shaving. Because the already irritated, injured skin absorbs even more aluminum. „I would recommend using deodorants without aluminum“, advises Wölfle.

Aluminum is also included in toothpaste
Another application of aluminum in the form of aluminum fluoride is toothpaste. Compared to deodorants, however, the amount of light metal that would be absorbed by ingesting toothpaste is significantly lower than by the application of aluminum-containing deodorants, the toxicologist reports with regard to BfR estimates.

The use of aluminum foil to store food can also be problematic as aluminum-containing substances dissolve and can be converted into food. Sour or salted foods should therefore not be stored in aluminum pots or aluminum foil for long, explains Wölfle. „Consuming unprocessed foods minimizes the chance of consuming aluminum-containing additives.“ Grilling meat, vegetables and fish in aluminum foil is less problematic. „After all, they do not grill every day, but only a few times a year, so the aluminum load on aluminum foil is limited. However, the TWI values ​​are about taking regular small amounts of money over the entire lifetime. Deos have a different quality because they are used daily and for life.“ (Ag)