aluminium

[L. alumen. See Alum.]
(Chem.) same as aluminum, chiefly British in usage.

Aluminium bronze or gold, a pale gold-colored alloy of aluminium and copper, used for journal bearings, etc.

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The third most abundant element in the earth's crust (after oxygen and silicon) but with no known biological function. Present in small amounts in many foods but only a small proportion is absorbed. Aluminium salts are found in the abnormal nerve tangles in the brain in Alzheimer's disease, and it has been suggested that aluminium poisoning may be a factor in the development of the disease, although there is little evidence.

Aluminium is used in cooking vessels (the first aluminium saucepan was produced in Cleveland Ohio by Henry Avery in 1890) and as foil for wrapping food, as well as in cans and tubes. Aluminium cans were first used for food and beverages in 1960; tab-opening aluminium cans for beverages first introduced 1962. It is a soft flexible metal, resistant to oxidation and deterioration, although it is dissolved by alkalis. The ‘silver’ beads used to decorate confectionery are coated with either silver foil or an alloy of aluminium and copper.

Baking powders containing sodium aluminium sulphate as the acid agent were used at one time (alum baking powders), and aluminium hydroxide and silicates are commonly used in antacid medications.

A metallic element that does not appear to be an essential part of the diet even though the body of a 70 kg person contains about 50 mg. Aluminium is toxic and can damage nerve cells. Excess dietary aluminium is normally eliminated in the faeces, but when intakes are very high some aluminium may be retained. Some researchers claim that this retention can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease (senile dementia). A study by the Medical Research Council showed that sufferers of the disease have unusual clusters of nerve cells in the brain saturated with aluminium. There is some evidence that vitamin C may help to reduce aluminium levels in the body.

British term for aluminum.