Aluminum A luminum is a relative newcomer to the list of toxic metals, long having been considered harmless. It has been implicated as a contributory cause of Alzheimer's disease. Rather surprisingly, the most consistent finding is that of elevated hair aluminum. Aluminum comes from foods cooked or stored in aluminum pans and aluminum foil. Leafy vegetables, rhubarb, and apples cooked in aluminum pans are prone to leach the metal from the pan.
Pressure cookers are especially likely to impart metal into the food.
Tap water may contain aluminum when it is used in water reservoirs to flocculate silt from the water. Other sources include antacids taken for stomach trouble, some antiperspirants, food additives, and milk substitutes. Clinical Management of Toxic Heavy Metals W e employ the hair test in screening for heavy metals, although blood tests for lead should also be done in ADHD and learning disabled children. When elevated levels are found, the first responsibility is to seek and eliminate the source as much as possible. When blood lead exceeds 10 mcg, the child should be referred to a medical center for appropriate therapy.