Instagram's 'Science Mission' warns about potential health risks of using aluminum foil
Numerous houses indeed have aluminum foil handy. Plenty of information is available online on whether this product, used pervasively in our homes, is safe.
Jan 29, 2024 | updated: 4:42 AM EST, March 7, 2024
Is aluminum foil potentially harmful? The specialist reviews a few studies
Sharing reliable knowledge backed by scientific sources is vital. The inquiry into whether aluminum foil can indeed be harmful was no different. The researcher initially notes that this product contains approximately 92-99% aluminum. Referring to specific studies published in "The National Journal of India 32," she stresses:
"Aluminum has no physiological function, but it is associated with unfavorable effects. It inhibits the absorption of iron, magnesium, and calcium. There have been links to bone diseases and anemia. Research is being conducted on the potential impact of aluminum on Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, and pathological changes in the lungs,"
In citing further scientific publications, the professor underlines that studies have conclusively shown food contamination with aluminum during baking. Eleven types of food were analyzed, including salmon, pork roast, and peppers, which often find their way into our ovens.
The worst on this list was the duck breast. During baking in foil, roughly 117 mg of aluminum per kilogram (rounded to 53 mg per 2.2 pounds) permeates the dish. It is followed by marinated mackerel (49 mg/kg or 22 mg/2.2 pounds) and salmon (42 mg/kg or 19 mg/2.2 pounds).
"Though the aluminum content in these samples might not seem alarming, its potential risk cannot be dismissed, especially for individuals with chronic kidney inflammation and small children," stressed the educator.
As per the standards given by the World Health Organization, the tolerated weekly intake of aluminum is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight. Conversely, the Center for Food Safety sets a standard of one milligram per kilogram of body weight.
The head of the "Science Mission" points out that the average weekly aluminum intake for an adult weighing 154 pounds ranges from 14 to 105 mg, and for a child weighing 66 pounds, it's between 21 to 69 mg.