The particles present in aluminum foil can contaminate food. However, the substance is toxic to the body.
- Aluminum particles are harmful to health.
- Aluminum foil can release it, especially when used for cooking.
- The material is also used in the manufacture of certain kitchen utensils.
These gray rolls are present in all kitchens: aluminum foil is used to keep, wrap and sometimes cook food. However, its use is not without risk, because aluminum can be bad for health.
Aluminum: what are the risks to health?
According to ANSESthe toxic effects of the substance essentially concern the central nervous system (encephalopathies, psychomotor disorders) and on bone tissue. “”The proven clinical effects of aluminum have always been observed in situations of strong chronic exposures: patients with dialing renal insufficient, parenteral diet, professionally exposed personsspecifies the organization. Among workers, toxicity manifests itself mainly at pulmonary and nervous levels. “ ANSES specifies that no study “has not highlighted this type of effect in the general population, exposed through current food or health products“.
In The Conversation,, Ghada Bassioni, professor of chemistry at Ain Shams University in Egypt, is more cautious. “”For example, high concentrations of aluminum have been detected in the brain fabric of patients with Alzheimer’s diseaseshe raises. Scientists have examined the community of elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease and concluded that it is a modern disease that has developed from altered living conditions associated with the industrialization of society. “
Aluminum foil should not be used to cook food
In her work, she became interested in aluminum food uses. “”My research has revealed that migration of aluminum in food during the cooking process wrapped in aluminum foil is higher than the authorized limit set by the World Health Organization “she warns. The heat facilitates the passage of aluminum particles in food, which increases the quantities ingested. She also points out that acidic products accelerate this process: tomatoes, lemon or spicy foods. Keeping dishes in aluminum presents less risks, unless they stay there for too long. In this case, the material may deteriorate.
Aluminum: watch out for kitchen utensils!
But the material is also present in certain tools present in the kitchen. “”Pans and other kitchen utensils tend to be oxidized, providing an inert layer that prevents aluminum from spreading in foodspecifies Ghada Bassioni. The problem is that when you rub your pots after cooking, this layer is worn and the aluminum can enter your food. ” To avoid this phenomenon, it recommends boiling the new aluminum utensils several times, until the base becomes mat. This creates a natural oxidation which will prevent aluminum particles from escaping.
