Thread: alzheimer's and aluminum

Styptic pencils and Alum blocks contain aluminum. Has anyone thought of alzheimer's and the claims about Aluminum?

my alum blocks are aluminum free

I could be completely wrong, but I thought "alum" blocks can be slightly different in composition. the alum blocks we use (potassium or potash) are different than the other more common blocks used as underarm deodorant?

Chris L

There have been a few threads discussing this in the past. From memory (sorry, too lazy to search for it ) the conclusion was that there is no risk as it's not aluminium but a compound of Potassium (sulphate) that makes up an alum block. Wikipedia's entry.

Originally Posted by majurey

There have been a few threads discussing this in the past. From memory (sorry, too lazy to search for it ) the conclusion was that there is no risk as it's not aluminium but a compound of Potassium (sulphate) that makes up an alum block. Wikipedia's entry.

Sorry for the delayed response but I just found this thread. Also sorry to say that your alum block of potassium sulphate still has aluminum in it. Your own Wiki entry lists it as KAl(SO4)2.12H2O, which is hydratede Potassium Aluminum Sulphate.

If anyone truly believes that they have a non-aluminum alum, please let me know. Doc, you have a PM on the way.

I think we are safe here in Australia, as we use Aluminium, not this aluminum...

Is there really any causal link between the odds of developing Alzheimer's and ingestion or exposure to Aluminum?

James.

I dont really know if there is any correlation or not, what I do know is that I prefer foods cooked with cast iron or glass! So unless I am eating away from home I dont worry about it.

Forty years ago and likely well before that health food advocates warned of eating foods cooked in aluminum pots & pans. I have avoided any contact with the stuff long before the Alzheimer's association came up.

I'm pretty sure that they've discounted aluminium as a major risk factor for developing Alzheimer's. I think it's zinc and copper that are the big worries. Besides, the amount of aluminium that you'd get from using a styptic pencil would be rather small and not much of a concern unless you're cutting youself very frequently.

Actually I'm more concerned about the alum block rather than a styptic pencil.