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Letter 22551
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++++ Hi Barb "Cast" means formed by pouring molten metal into a mold of that shape as opposed to being machined from a solid block. "Anodized" means electrochemically treated to form a thick and stable oxidation layer. The two terms are neither mutually exclusive nor mutually inclusive. Maybe I can ease your mind by reminding you that "The News" is big business. So, if anyone finds even the smallest indication that something as common as aluminum cookware might increase the risk of Alzheimer's, then "Toxic Timebomb in Your Kitchen!" will be on the 7 o'clock news around the world. As you've found, when that study is discredited, you won't hear a peep because "Cookware is safe after all" is not the kind of compelling news that will get you to stay up and tune in. The politicians you elect are in the same position: It is in their interest to constantly conjure up hobgoblins (please google: 'mencken hobgoblins'). Personally, I'm not worried about it, and I'm confident that if you do a library search through Science News [link is to product info at Amazon], Scientific American [link is to product info at Amazon], Journal of the American Medical Association [link is to product info at Amazon], etc. that you'll find enough info to assure yourself and your mother. But if you choose the internet instead, you'll find enough undocumented scare literature to read to waste the rest of your life on.
+++++ I have several pieces of my mother and grandmother's cast aluminum which are my favorite cookware of all time. She & my grandmother lived to almost 90 with no signs of any kind of dementia. Dorothy Callahan |
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My Mom always used S.O.S. pads to clean her Guardian
Service.
I still wonder if it is safe to cook in cast aluminum.
Grace Barkwell
- Ontario, Canada
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+++++ Regarding the "Is aluminum safe to cook with/" question. Over 20 years ago, I heard the professor speak who had been quoted as the source of the connection between aluminum in the brain and Alzheimer's diseases. His research had found an excess of aluminum in the brain of such patients. He did not believe that cooking in aluminum had any connection to the development of alzheimer's disease. He believes that the myth of danger of cooking was started when someone asked him what he cooked with and he answered "Teflon cookware." Apparently no one asked or quoted him as to why. He thought it was easier to clean!! True story. Heard this at a conference on aging from the expert himself. Unfortunately, I don't recall his name. (ok, there is some humor in not being able to remember the name of the expert on Alzheimer's disease :-) John Swank |
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My grandmother used her aluminum cookware until she died. She was in her 70's and died of a heartache, but previously had a very sharp mind. I have always used the aluminum cookware (30+ years). I believe that with all the other environmental causes of aluminum that are around, we would not only have to quit cooking with aluminum, but curtail half of our diet and our air - if we believe that it makes that much difference. I personally do not believe anything that makes its way through the newspapers or internet. If there is something I am concerned about, I ask my doctor, pharmacist or look it up myself in the library and get solid facts to back it up. With the solid facts and my grandmothers full, happy, and sharp life to go on I believe I will go on using my aluminum cookware.
Ruthe Bullington
retired - Markleysburg, Pennsylvania
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Public Health
Service
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
HIGHLIGHTS: Everyone is exposed to low levels of
aluminum from food, air, and water. Exposure to high levels of
aluminum may result in respiratory problems. Aluminum has been found
in at least 427 of the 1,467 National Priorities List sites
identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This fact
sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about
aluminum. For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at
1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about
hazardous substances and their health effects. It's important you
understand this information because this substance may harm you. The
effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose,
the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and
whether other chemicals are present.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ToxFAQs June
1999
TSDR
What is aluminum?
Aluminum occurs naturally and makes up about 8% of the surface of the
earth. It is always found combined with other elements such as
oxygen, silicon, and fluorine.
Aluminum metal is silver-white and flexible. It is often used in
cooking utensils, containers, appliances, and building materials. It
is also used in paints and fireworks; to produce glass, rubber, and
ceramics; and in consumer products such as antacids, astringents,
buffered aspirin, food additives, and antiperspirants.
What happens to aluminum when it enters the environment?
It binds to particles in the air.
It can dissolve in lakes, streams, and rivers depending on the
quality of the water.
Acid rain may dissolve aluminum from soil and rocks.
It can be taken up into some plants from soil.
It is not known to bioconcentrate up the food chain.
How might I be exposed to aluminum?
Eating small amounts of aluminum in food.
Breathing higher levels of aluminum dust in workplace air.
Drinking water with high levels of aluminum near waste sites,
manufacturing plants, or areas naturally high in aluminum.
Eating substances containing high levels of aluminum (such as
antacids) especially when eating or drinking citrus products at the
same time.
Very little enters your body from aluminum cooking utensils.
How can aluminum affect my health?
Low-level exposure to aluminum from food, air, water, or contact with
skin is not thought to harm your health. Aluminum, however, is not a
necessary substance for our bodies and too much may be harmful.
People who are exposed to high levels of aluminum in air may have
respiratory problems including coughing and asthma from breathing
dust.
Some studies show that people with Alzheimer's disease have more
aluminum than usual in their brains. We do not know whether aluminum
causes the disease or whether the buildup of aluminum happens to
people who already have the disease. Infants and adults who received
large doses of aluminum as a treatment for another problem developed
bone
ALUMINUM
CAS # 7429-90-5
Page 2
Federal Recycling Program Printed on Recycled Paper
ToxFAQs Internet address via WWW is
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html
Where can I get more information? For more information, contact the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry, Division of Toxicology, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop
E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333.
ATSDR can tell you where
to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their
specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting
from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your
community or state health or environmental quality department if you
have any more questions or concerns.
diseases, which suggests that aluminum may cause skeletal problems.
Some sensitive people develop skin rashes from using aluminum
chlorohydrate deodorants.
How likely is aluminum to cause cancer?
The Department of Health and Human Services, the International Agency
for Research on Cancer, and the EPA have not classified aluminum for
carcinogenicity. Aluminum has not been shown to cause cancer in
animals.
How can aluminum affect children?
Children with kidney problems who were given aluminum in their
medical treatments developed bone diseases.
Other health effects of aluminum on children have not been studied.
It is not known whether aluminum affects children differently than
adults, or what the long-term effects might be in adults exposed as
children. Large amounts of aluminum have been shown to be harmful to
unborn and developing animals because it can cause delays in skeletal
and neurological development. Aluminum has been shown to cause
lower
birthweights in some animals.
How can families reduce the risk of exposure to aluminum?
The most important way families can lower exposure to aluminum is to
know about the sources of aluminum and lessen exposure to these
sources. Since aluminum is so common and widespread in the
environment, families cannot avoid exposure to aluminum. Exposure to
the low levels of
aluminum that are naturally present in food and water and the forms
of aluminum present in dirt and aluminum cookware is generally not
harmful. The best way to reduce exposure to aluminum is to avoid
taking large quantities of soluble forms of aluminum such as
aluminum-containing antacids and
buffered aspirin. Make sure these products have child-proof caps so
children will not accidentally eat them. Some soybased formulas may
contain high levels of aluminum, so parents may want to consult with
their physician when choosing an infant formula.
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to
aluminum?
There are tests to measure aluminum in blood, urine, and feces. The
amount in your urine can tell you whether you have been exposed to
higher than normal levels of aluminum.
Tests can also detect aluminum in your hair and fingernails. Not all
of these tests are routinely performed at your doctor's office, but
your doctor can take samples and send them to a testing
laboratory.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human
health?
EPA requires that spills or accidental releases of 5,000 pounds or
more of aluminum sulfate be reported. Special regulations are set for
aluminum phosphide because it is a pesticide.
EPA recommends that the concentration of aluminum in drinking water
not exceed 0.2 parts of aluminum per million parts of water (0.2 ppm)
because of aesthetic effects, such as taste and odor problems.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that aluminum
cooking utensils, aluminum foil, antiperspirants, antacids, and other
aluminum products are generally safe.
Source of information
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
1999. Toxicological profile for aluminum. Atlanta, GA: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service.
ALUMINUM
CAS # 7429-90-5
Melissa Hernandez
- Clearwater, Florida
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++++++ Following considerable research in the 90's, I found no factual evidence linking the use of aluminum cookware with Alzheimer's Disease. Consequently, I have continued to use aluminum cookware. Due to the fact that we humans are not cloned or identical, each individual body will respond and/or react to difference substances in unique ways. My paternal grandmother is 103 years old and has complete clarity of her intellect. She has been using aluminum cookware for most of her adult life. Every morning she prepares espresso coffee in her aluminum coffee pot. This is a fact. However, this does not mean that cooking with aluminum cookware is safe. It only means that it does not appear to have caused detriment to my grandmother. My perspective is that we should all not 'believe' the opinions or the recommendations we share on the internet or elsewhere. We can take individual responsibility for this type of inquiry, do our own research and form our own opinions and proceed accordingly. Researching any given subject, requires the willingness to search for genuine and authentic facts and tediously sift through the disinformation that we sometimes accept as factual evidence. Sara Fernandez
++++++ Paranoia? Bear with me...please: I just bought some used
aluminum pots. I washed them with a
Steel Wool [link is to product info at Rockler]
product, the water was black (curious). Observing this, I
then washed the pots thoroughly with soap, water and a
scrubbie. After drying, I then rubbed the inside of the pots
with my finger numerous times and received a dark metallic
residue on my finger (curious). Thinking I was going crazy,
I rubbed again with other fingers...all covered with a
metallic film(hmm). Trey Sargent
++++++ Hi Trey. If you "know western society is in the business of getting us sick and keeping us there" and avoid its trappings, you'll be lying on an earth that is made of it. Third to oxygen & silicon, aluminum is the most common material on earth. The dirt, sand, mud, rocks, and every single place in nature where you can walk, stand, and sit is largely aluminum :-) Note that aluminum dissolves in alkali; although it's fine to clean it with soap, dishwasher detergent or laundry detergent could be a problem. But I, too, would throw away a pot of unknown history which reacted the way you described. Good luck with cookware you'll be more content with.
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Here are my thoughts:
Aluminum is a naturally occurring element.
Teflon has been created by man.
I fear more what man has created than what occurs naturally on our
planet.
My grandmother is 91, sharp as a whip and had been using aluminum
cookware since pre-1955.
I have recently rid myself of non-stick coating cookware.
And that's all I have to say on the subject!
Vanessa Cannucci
- Overland Park
You know, anecdotes about peoples grandmothers and the natural
source of aluminium are well and fine. Besides the one post from the
govt above, nothing here is useful.
You know, I think lead is natural too, I don't recommend eating it or
cooking with it.
Here is the best article I could find, from the US FDA (FDA
Consumer magazine article I guess):
Is That Newfangled Cookware Safe?
by Dale Blumenthal
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/CONSUMER/CON00036.html
for example:
" Chemicals that migrate from cookware into food are considered food
additives (substances that become a component of a food or otherwise
affect its characteristics) and are therefore under FDA's
jurisdiction. FDA addresses safety concerns about housewares on a
case-by-case basis.
For instance, after a California family suffered acute lead poisoning
from drinking orange juice stored in a ceramic pitcher bought in
Mexico, FDA initiated a formal compliance action in 1971 limiting the
amount of lead that may leach from products used to hold food. In
taking this action, the agency relied on food additive provisions
that prohibit adulterating a food by adding poisonous and deleterious
substances to the food. Since then, FDA has tightened restrictions on
lead. (See An Unwanted Souvenir: ead in Ceramic Ware, in the December
1989-January 1990 issue of FDA Consumer.)"
section on aluminium:
Aluminum
More than half (52 percent) of all cookware sold today is made of
aluminum, according to Cookware Manufacturers Association executive
vice president Paul Uetzmann. But most of these aluminum pots and
pans are coated with nonstick finishes or treated using a process
that alters and hardens the structure of the metal.
In the 1970s, Canadian researchers reported that the brains of
Alzheimer?s disease victims contained abnormally high levels of
aluminum. The studies stirred a controversy about whether aluminum is
the cause or result of the disease. At the same time, many concerned
consumers discarded their natural aluminum cookware.
Stephen Levick, M.D., from Yale University School of Medicine in New
Haven, Conn., wrote in a letter to the editor of the New England
Journal of Medicine, out with my corroded aluminum pots.
John Koning, M.D., from Riverside General Hospital in Corona, Calif.,
responded, most ingested aluminum is recovered in the feces, and much
more is ingested by a person taking antacids than one could ever
leach from an aluminum pan. Dr. Levick has thrown away his pots and
pans to no avail? Researchers still are investigating the connection
between aluminum and Alzheimer's disease. But according to Creighton
Phelps, Ph.D., director of medical and scientific affairs at the
Alzheimer's Association, much recent data support the theory that
brains already damaged by Alzheimer's disease may permit entry of
abnormally high levels of aluminum. As FDA and researchers point out,
aluminum is ubiquitous. It is the third most abundant element in the
earth's crust (after oxygen and silicon). It is in air, water and
soil, and ultimately in the plants and animals we eat.
Many over-the-counter medicines also contain aluminum. According to
the Aluminum Association, one antacid tablet can contain 50
milligrams of aluminum or more, and it is not unusual for a person
with an upset stomach to consume more than 1,000 milligrams, or 1
gram, of aluminum per day. A buffered aspirin tablet may contain
about 10 to 20 milligrams of aluminum. In contrast, in a worst-case
scenario, a person using uncoated aluminum pans for all cooking and
food storage every day would take in an estimated 3.5 milligrams of
aluminum daily. Aluminum cookware manufacturers warn that storing
highly acidic or salty foods such as tomato sauce, rhubarb, or
sauerkraut in aluminum pots may cause more aluminum than usual to
enter the food. (Also, undissolved salt and acidic foods allowed to
remain in an aluminum pot will cause pitting on the pot's surface.)
However, aluminum intake is virtually impossible to avoid, and the
amount leached in food from aluminum cookware is relatively minimal,
according to Thomas.
FDA reviewed existing data because of consumer concern and formally
announced in May 1986 that the agency has no information at this time
that the normal dietary intake of aluminum, whether from naturally
occurring levels in food, the use of aluminum cookware, or from
aluminum food additives or drugs, is harmful.
Jack Brown
- Atlanta, Georgia
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Thanks for the quotes, Jake! Please continue to contribute whatever thoughts you wish, and disagree as strongly as you wish with anything printed here, but do not insult other posters with comments like "nothing here is useful"-- a characterization I completely disagree with anyway. But, yes, peer reviewed studies are much better evidence than anecdotes :-) Thanks! Regards,
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I believe in good research and trusted sources; so, here is a good
read from the Alzheimer's Association.
http://www.alz.org/documents/national/FSAluminum.pdf
They are leaning toward "inconclusive".
I like the cliche ... "better safe than sorry."
Paul H. Jackman
- San Antonio, Texas
That is indeed a great read, Paul; thank you for it! But I cannot possibly interpret the conclusions the way you have. I see:
"The vast majority of mainstream scientists now believe that if aluminum plays any role at all in Alzheimer's, that role is small."
". . . most mainstream health professionals believe, based on current knowledge, that exposure to aluminum is not a significant risk factor. Public health bodies sharing this conviction include the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada. . ."
"Further, it is unlikely that people can significantly reduce their exposure to aluminum through such measures as avoiding aluminum-containing cookware, foil, beverage cans, medications and other products. "
"Inconclusive"? "Better safe than sorry"? Where did you find that in the article you referenced? You must be thinking of some other article :-)
Thanks again.
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 Ted Mooney finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
Aluminum is everywhere. So are many things all over the earth that are poisonous when ingested. Common sense tells me not to eat aluminum, or put anything into my body that has been in an aluminum container. I use cast iron skillets.
Bettina Frriedman
- San Diego, California
Hi, Bettina. Use whatever cookware you prefer, for whatever reason. But when you say "common sense tells me . . .", what do you mean? Common sense tells me that aluminum is perfectly safe. What is your "common sense" seeing that makes you frightened of aluminum containers but comfortable with cast iron?
Regards,
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Ted Mooney finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
I find this site very interesting. Today, I finally found my mum's
old "Chicken Bucket" low pressure fryer. It is made of aluminum. My
husband insisted that I not use it again after tonight because of
what it's made of and instead to purchase a very pricey stainless
steel low pressure fryer. After having a wonderful chicken dinner and
cleaning everything up, I decided that perhaps I should just see if
the jury is still out on "Aluminum cookware causes
Alzheimer's".
Well, after reading the many posts that support aluminum cookware, I
just might not be so hasty to trash my Mumma's Chicken Bucket. I also
read that these pots were dangerous because they exploded... Not sure
how that would happen if you read (studied) the directions on how to
use it. Anyway, thanks for the info.
Marilu Gibbs
- Forest, Ontario, Canada
There seems to be "scare" literature on the Internet on just about
any subject. Regarding aluminum pots and pans, we could try to read
all the Government literature on the subject, or we could just use
our common sense. My common sense: My mother used Club Aluminum pots
and pans from 1940 until she died in 2000. I grew up eating foods she
cooked in them every day of my childhood and young adulthood. My wife
and I used a set of Club Aluminum pots and pans from the day we
married in 1968 forward, and I still have all of them and use them
every day. I raised my two children on foods I cooked in them. They
are now approaching age 40 and I am 65. And the three of us are still
alive and healthy.
This nonsense about the danger of aluminum cooking forced the
excellent Club Aluminum Company out of business. Fortunately when my
daughter got married in 1996 they were still available and I bought
her a set of them.
No matter what it is, there is somebody claiming it will do serious
damage to you. For the past few years it has been electric blankets
and clock radios in bedrooms. It appears they send electromagnet
waves RIGHT INTO YOUR BRAIN!!! The same articles advise NEVER to
microwave food, never to eat at restaurants who use microwave ovens,
etc.
All of this is nonsense, and we know it because jillions of us who
use electric blankets, clock radios and microwave ovens are still
here after many, many years.
It's a matter of common sense.
James Zemboy
- Detroit, Michigan
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June 22, 2008 While growing up, my father prevented us from cooking in
Aluminum cookware because of the Alzeimer theory - and so we
have been cooking in Stainless. Sofia C
June 23, 2008 Hi, Sofia; thanks. That link was also offered on letter 17519. But that was not Bellaonline's "Medicine Editor" it was their "Alternative Medicine Editor". There is clearly a place for alternative medicine / natural medicine, but just as we recognize that manufacturers are vested in technology, we also need to recognize that natural medicine is vested in anti-technology, and liable to find risk in everything that is manufactured. Please see the quotes above from the Alzheimer's Association, which does not appear to share the concern of that particular alternative medicine editor at all. Regards and thanks again,
My question is as follows: I am going camping with some
friends and want to give them a pioneer experience. but I
have a limited budget. I went to a discount store and saw
some aluminum cookware that my Spanish friends use a lot to
cook rice and beans. The company name is Torware. First, is
this type of cookware toxic? If not, then next question: Can
I use this cookware directly on the campfire? Do I have to
prepare it like the cast Iron pots? Elizabeth Hunt |
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Hi, Elizabeth. If you don't believe the Alzeimer's association when they see no danger in aluminum, that's fine -- such associations have sometimes been wrong. If you don't believe that the government prevents companies from stocking department store shelves with toxic pots, that's okay too -- the government has made mistakes.
But if you believe neither of these generally reputable sources, what could a stranger on the internet possibly say to convince you that it's safe? It's a waste of breath. Have a great camping experience!
Regards,
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Ted Mooney finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
You can believe whatever you like but cooking out of aluminum pots and pans is VERY bad for your health. The metal when heated opens the pores and leaches into your food. Nasty, Nasty. Getting your blood poisoned is no way to live.
Alex Royal
- San Diego, California
It's probably too late for your camping trip, but any pot that you
put directly on the campfire will need to be soaped first (on the
outside) to keep it from becoming permanently blackened by the smoke.
Is that what you meant about preparing an aluminum pot the same as
you would a cast iron one?
Barbara
Barbara Millikan
- Sheridan Oregon
Hi Ted,
We crossed paths before when I worked in a coating firm in Georgia.
You helped me when investigating hard chrome platings. Like others I
found your thread when googling food grade aluminum. I already knew
you as a straight shooter so it was fun to read this thread- and
helpful. Good moderating and great to see all sides. I had this
discussion with my wife just this A.M. about "raw" aluminum vs.
anodized. (set me off in search mode) I told her 90% of her aluminum
cookware was raw non anodized, and anodized while harder, is no
difference in cookware safety. Trying to get a bead on raw aluminum
food complaint aspects.
Brad
Brad Barrett
- Cartersville, Georgia
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August 13, 2008 Hi, Brad. Nice to hear from you again, and thanks for the kind words. I personally doubt that there is a safety issue, but I think anodized aluminum has a nice advantage in stability and appearance. Our Calphalon hard anodized pans are great. We bought a Bialetti raw aluminum espresso coffee pot a few months ago, as shown in Amazon picture to right [disclaimer: we get a commission if a reader buys one through this link]. We don't use it much, and when I went to make cappuccino yesterday there was quite a bit of ugly corrosion inside (probably from not drying it and letting it sit moist for a couple of weeks). I don't think it would grow this unsightly corrosion if it was anodized even if left wet. Regards,
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I Have read all the comments about aluminum cookware. I am not
questioning their safety in any other respect than why is it that we
have washed these skillets with soap and water and keep getting black
all over our towels. We just bought these today at a restaurant
supply house to use at our church. We are concerned about what we
should do. Can you help?
SJD
Sara Darden
- Corinth, Texas
Hi, Sara. The "black" that you and Trey speak of is probably aluminum oxide. If the cookware is not anodized, or the anodizing has worn off or been dissolved off in a dishwasher, the aluminum on the surface will combine with oxygen and form aluminum oxide. Very fine dusts appear black because they reflect no light. Ideally this would be well attached to the pot, but sometimes it is only loosely adherent and rubs off. It is certainly unaesthetic regardless of your position on the safety issues discussed here.
I think putting aluminum pots in the dishwasher with alkaline detergents is the main cause. I think it will go away if you only use mild detergents like the dishwashing liquids made for hand use but I don't know from experience. Try washing one pot with a mild acid like lemon juice or diluted vinegar and let us know what you find.
Regards,
Ted Mooney
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey
Ted, in your response dated August 13, 2008 you mention corrosion
inside the the coffee pot. Would that be unhealthy to keep using? I
have a coffee pot that is specifically for putting water in on top of
the stove. There's no way to reach in and clean it. I've had more
than one over the years and have seen them corrode to the point of
getting holes in the bottom and leaking. I've thrown some away before
they reach the point of getting holes.
My question is are they safe to use? What is an alternative? Thanks.
Kathy Schafer
- Columbus, Ohio
Hi, Kathy. While it would be nice if someone could offer you a factual answer on the safety of aluminum, they can't. All they can offer is opinion. Mine, which I've offered to the point of exhaustion, is that your coffee pot is absolutely harmless based on the evidence you see discussed here and on many similar letters here. An alternative would be a stainless steel pot if you can find one. Good luck.
Regards,
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Ted Mooney finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
I remain skeptical.
As pointed out, the media is big business. They used this observation
to debunk sensationalist arguments, but it works both ways: Aluminum
is big business and we have every reason in the world to believe that
in this day and age of PR and spin, industries such as tobacco,
aluminum, etc., are going to do all they can to muddy the waters.
Unfortunately, gone are the days you can simply turn on the TV and
believe what you hear and see.
It has been said that aluminum occurs naturally and makes up about 8%
of the surface of the earth. As someone else points out, lead occurs
naturally too, but that doesn't mean I want lead-based paint in my
child's room. The govt source cited above goes on to say that in
nature aluminum "is always found combined with other elements such as
oxygen, silicon, and fluorine". That's why you don't dig in the dirt
and come across aluminum rocks. Pure aluminum (like in your frying
pan) is the result of manufacturing. Oxygen, silicon, and fluorine
may well render it inert.
Again, it was said that aluminum is "in the water"; it's "in the
air". That's a specious argument. It depends on what water and air
you are talking about. Mustard gas occurred in "the" water and "the"
air in WWI, too, but that didn't mean everyone everywhere had to put
on a gas mask. You only did if you were near the source. The govt
article cited above states that "drinking water with high levels of
aluminum near waste sites, manufacturing plants, or areas naturally
high in aluminum" is one of the major ways to be exposed to aluminum
(how many antacids and buffered aspirin do you take?). The question
is whether cooking with aluminum (which, when heated, has different
properties than aluminum+oxygen+silicon+fluorine in dirt) is bad for
you or not.
All I know is Alzheimer's patients' brains are full of aluminum. And
I don't trust a bunch of possibly industry-sponsored websites to tell
me the truth.
Charles Mills
- Monterey, California
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March 28, 2009 Is Sanding Magnalite Cookware a Health Hazard? My name is
Willie May Freeman, and I live in Alvin, Texas. Willie May
Freeman
May 2, 2009 Sandpaper to clean cast aluminum? I wouldn't use
it... Dorothy Winn
May 14, 2009 NOW they tell me. Well, actually, I learned about it several years ago. In 1970, I set up housekeeping with my parents' old Club Aluminum pots and pans. The big dutch oven was the perfect size for making...and storing...great spaghetti sauce. I have to admit, when I heard the Alzheimer's story, I stopped using the Club. I recently took the Club pieces out of storage and have begun using them again. Nothing else cooks quite the same. I do use glass or other containers to store....now, what was I talking about? Faith Dower |
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I believe that using aluminum to cook with can harm you.Ted Mooney obviously has a strong opinion for it and probably monetarily motivated.any substance heated up to the degrees used in cooking will give off some of the substance either in a gaseous or solid state.heating aluminum up to over 120 degrees will make some of it it go into the food you are preparing .heavy metals are stored in the brain and are directly linked to alzheimer's.over a long period of time the amount will build up and store in the brain causing memory loss. Stay away from aluminum cookware, you and your family are worth it.
Mike Wilson
- Dallas, Texas
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July 14, 2009 Hi, Mike. You and Charles Mills and anyone else are welcome to cook with whatever you wish. You're welcome to hold any opinion you wish. You're welcome to have it printed here, except for your ad hominem attacks which are unwelcome, make you look foolish, and foul the thread. But I'm going to trust the previously quoted, peer-reviewed opinion of the Alzeimer's Association (an opinion supported by WHO, NIH and EPA) over your opinions unless you cite some important peer-reviewed papers that you have delivered on the subject. Regards,
October 18, 2009 I am now 63 and this is the very first response that I have EVER given to ANY site! However in the 70's you will recall that an aluminum anodized cooking system was introduced via home cooking demonstrations. We bought some, and when cooking tomatoes, the anodizing came off. We continued to use it, and my wife loves her antique cast aluminum even today. It spreads heat so fast and works well. But here is why I responded;,,,As you read down this page you see so many responses, some motivated by what I would call common sense, and some I would call radical in a sense. Ten years ago doctors told us not to eat eggs, they were very bad for you!! Now look they did a 180 degree turn. Butter too is a Killer they say,, my neighbor up the road is a farmer with whole milk containing tons of fat, they and I are still here and I love my butter. I think the Bible was right when it states "moderation in all things" even my glass of wine. So thanks for this great site, and the aluminum cookware info, I for one use it, but I don't use steel wool on it. When I sold cookware in the 70's we used a powder cleaner and polish for the aluminum, then washed with soap then dried,, good health to you all,,,,,,, Errol Stewart
January 21, 2010 Ted, Doug Jipping
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