Aluminum, a toxic metal - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

06/04/2008 09:25:10 PM · #1

hey, i work at a place that still shoots film, and as most film uses know aluminum is in the developing procss, well for a few weeks now, i have been emptying the waste bins from the macines and dumping them into the aluminum extractor but i always seem to get all over my hands, and sometimes it leaks onto my clothing, never thought much of it till i found out its a heavy metal and its toxic, what damage can it do as far as liquid contacting my skin? should i be worried?

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

06/04/2008 09:31:00 PM · #2

Hmm...interesting. I thought I had canceled this post. Sorry...

Message edited by author 2008-06-04 21:42:02.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

06/04/2008 09:38:15 PM · #3

It seems to only be a problem with ingested aluminum -- this article on aluminum toxicity doesn't seem to mention skin exposure; I didn't notice it mentioned in this article on heavy-metal toxicity either ... You might try calling your local/state Poison Control center; they can often look things up for you if they are not handling an emergency.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

06/04/2008 09:43:59 PM · #4

You may be able to get a good shot for the "Chemistry" challenge if you suddenly feel strange and start changing shape or turning different colors : )
As far as I know, aluminum is safe to handle as long as you don't eat it. I know that developing solutions have a lot of silver nitrate salts in them, and usually that is what is of interest in a recovery program for the developer and fixers.

kawesttex

Apple iPhone 11 Pro

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/04/2008 09:47:55 PM · #5

You might try and find a MSDS for the chemicals that are involved. It will usually give exposure types and results of said exposure. What may present a problem is that this is at the end of the process not the individual chemicals involved in the process to get the waste!

Man_Called_Horse

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

06/04/2008 09:53:07 PM · #6

I have a problem with Aluminum.

I read the ingredients in all products and decide from a list I have created if I wish to buy or not buy that product.

One of the things I look for is aluminum. Anything aluminum. I don't care.

I don't even drink from aluminum cans.

I don't know if it is a fact, but I have heard aluminum may be linked to Alzheimer's disease.

The other things I look for is High Fructose Corn Syrup, MSG, salt, and now because of yesterdays news feature, food dyes.

I also look for the recycle numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles 3, 6, and 7 and avoid drinking from those containers.

I don't drink hot liquids or alcohol from Styrofoam cups.

And last, I like to empty unused water bottles of their contents.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

06/04/2008 10:04:12 PM · #7

i called poison controll, minnasota to be exact, when she heard my zip code she had a chuckle like why i was calling that specific one, anywho, she said it can only irritate the skin, cant be absorbed through it, aluminum is only toxic if ingested or inhaeld through vapors

FireBird

06/04/2008 10:08:31 PM · #8

Even more dangerous is the main component of the mix: di-hydrogen monoxide. Here
is the MSDS. Enjoy.

I've used aluminum in many forms during my 53 year life. So far no problems. They say it could contribute to alzheimers disease. But as indicated above, you'd have to ingest it. I suspect washing your hands before eating will eliminate this possibility.
One form I'd enjoin very careful use is the dark German flake form of AL. In the good ol days of photography it could have been used as the flash powder. Might want to mix a bit of FE in with it.

FireBird

06/04/2008 10:09:56 PM · #9

Originally posted by Jib:

inhaeld through vapors

If you're able to inhale aluminum vapors you're going to have more immediate threats to your life. :)

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

06/04/2008 10:12:36 PM · #10

Originally posted by fir3bird:

Might want to mix a bit of FE in with it.

Cripes don't tell him to make thermite!

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

06/19/2008 04:03:23 PM · #11

did i say aluminum.. i meant Silver lol Ag makes me think aluminum... silver how bad for you is it?

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

06/19/2008 04:21:36 PM · #12

All heavy metal poisoning is bad ... wear rubber gloves when handling and avoid vapors or dust and you should be fine.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

06/19/2008 04:33:44 PM · #13

I assume that you're talking about the fixer bath where the undeveloped silver chloride gets washed out of the print or film.

You get the lovely job of dumping the spent fixer into the silver recovery unit, right?

You certainly don't need a HazMat suit or anything. It's not terribly toxic to get a bit splashed on your skin, I used to use my hands in the fixer when printing B&W, but it does smell kinda sulfury and it will stain your clothes forever. I'd suggest you do wear rubber gloves and some splash goggles. Of course, the best approach is to ask for the MSDS and follow the guidelines laid out there.

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

06/19/2008 04:34:03 PM · #14

Originally posted by Jib:

did i say aluminum.. i meant Silver lol Ag makes me think aluminum... silver how bad for you is it?

It will turn you blue! :-P

Message edited by author 2008-06-19 16:34:21.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

06/19/2008 04:38:42 PM · #15

Originally posted by thegrandwazoo:

Originally posted by Jib:
did i say aluminum.. i meant Silver lol Ag makes me think aluminum... silver how bad for you is it?

It will turn you blue! :-P

Yah, definitely don't drink it. You don't want to be a real life Smurf.