| GHS classification | This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 92.8% (2917 of 3142) of all reports.Not ClassifiedAggregated GHS information provided per 3142 reports by companies from 48 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.WarningH335 (100%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposureRespiratory tract irritation]P261, P271, P304+P340, P319, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) |
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| Regulatory information | Chemical: Aluminium oxide (Al2O3)Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)Status: Active Update: 20-04-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/16039Aluminium oxide (Al2O3): Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard |
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| Other safety information | IMAP assessments - Aluminium oxide (Al2O3): Environment tier I assessment |
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| Fire hazards | Not combustible. |
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| Fire potential | Not combustible. |
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| Health hazards | Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for alpha-Alumina: |
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| Hazards summary | Alumina is converted into aluminum by electrolytic reduction. Primary aluminum production facilities contain rows of reduction cells or pots located in potrooms. [Burgess, p. 14] Aluminum oxide is found in nature as bauxite (Al2O3.2H2O). Corundum is manufactured by fusing bauxite in a furnace. Some crystalline silica may be found in bauxite and corundum. The severe pulmonary fibrosis observed historically in bauxite workers and potroom workers has been primarily attributed to the concurrent exposure to crystalline silica. [CHEMINFO] An irritant of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract[CAMEO] There is no evidence of an association between exposure to alumina and the reporting of respiratory symptoms but some evidence for an effect on lung function. [PMID 32944994] See Aluminum. |
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| FDA requirements | Certification of this color additive when used to color drugs is not necessary for the protection of the public health, and therefore batches thereof are exempt from the certification pursuant to section 721(c) of the act. |
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| Reactive group | Non-Redox-Active Inorganic Compounds |
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| Special Reports | Krewski D et alHuman Health Risk Assessment for Aluminum, Aluminum Oxide, and Aluminum Hydroxide, J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 200710(Suppl 1): 1-269. doi:10.1080/10937400701597766, is an NIH Public Access Author Manuscript that is a compendium of information on aluminium compounds used in industrial settings, and as pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics and as other household products.ATSDRToxicological Profile for Aluminum, 357 pp., September 2008. The ATSDR toxicological profile identifies and reviews the key literature that describes a hazardous substance's toxicologic properties. Other pertinent literature is presented in less detail.[Available from, as of June 15, 2010: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp22.pdf] |
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| FIFRA requirements | Residues of aluminum oxide are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a diluent in accordance with good agricultural practices as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. |
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| Reactivity Alerts | Known Catalytic Activity |
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| OSHA Standards | Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 15 mg/cu m. /Total dust/Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m. /Respirable fraction/Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 10 mg/cu m is still enforced in some states. /Total/Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 5 mg/cu m is still enforced in some states. /Resp/ |
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| Fire fighting | In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media. |
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| First aid measures | Fresh air, rest.Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.Rinse mouth. |
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| First aid | Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for alpha-Alumina:(General first aid procedures) |
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| Exposure control and personal protection | TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].4.0 [mg/m3], (inhalable fraction), 1.5 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)[German Research Foundation (DFG)] |
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| Fire fighting procedures | Do not use halocarbon extinguishers. The product itself does not burn. Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed. |
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| Storage conditions | Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. strongly hygroscopic. |
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| Cleanup methods | Sweep spilled substance into containersif appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. |
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| Disposal methods | SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air qualitypotential migration in soil or watereffects on animal and plant lifeand conformance with environmental and public health regulations. |
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| Spillage disposal | Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. |
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| Preventive Measures | SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. |
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| Eye Prevention | Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection. |
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| Inhalation Risk | Evaporation at 20 °C is negligiblea harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly. |
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| Treatment | EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration. |
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| Interactions | Observations that aluminium inhalation reduced the ability of quartz to produce lung fibrosis in some experimental animals lead to its application in humans. ... Symptomatic improvement was reported in 49 nonferrous metal workers treated with metallic aluminium. Forty-three percent of those treated with hydrated aluminium oxide reported improvement compared to 30% of those treated with metallic aluminium oxide. There was no objective measure of improvement in these cases. In 1946, E. J. King & C. L. Sutherland reviewed the evidence for the use of aluminium to prevent or treat silicosis and concluded that there was no definitive evidence that aluminium prevented further development or caused reversal of established disease. ... Carefully planned and properly controlled studies were recommended. This led to an investigation that was conducted in pottery workers and coal miners of the efficacy of inhalation of 50 mg pure metallic aluminium dust, of which > 90% was respirable, for 15 minutes, 3 times weekly, for up to 3.5 yearscomparison was made with inhalation of 5 mg of carbon black containing 1 mg/kg aluminium powder. No regression of the x-ray picture or improvement of functional capacity was seen.To elucidate the interaction between aluminum and certain essential trace metals, an experiment was performed on rats fed diets with suboptimal or optimal levels of zinc or copper. Half of each group of animals were fed the same diet but with 1000 ppm aluminum added. Changes were noted after 120 days. Severe testicular damage was seen in rats fed either the low zinc or the low copper diet. The lesions included a wide range of spermatogenic cell degeneration and tubular atropy. When aluminum was added to the diet, the testicular destruction of zinc deficient rats was significantly reduced. This indicated that the presence of aluminum in the diet protected the testes against the damage cauesed by zinc deficiency. Pituitary glands were examined. Hypertrophy of basophiles was more pronounced in rats fed the suboptimal zinc or copper diet. When aluminum was added to their diet, the changes were reversed. The mechanisms by which aluminum protects male gonadal functions against zinc deficiency are discussed. This study is the first to demonstrate the preventive effect of aluminum against testicular damage caused by zinc deficiency. /Aluminum/Desferrioxamine, traditionally used as an iron chelator, has been shown to increase urinary aluminum output in humans and aluminum loaded mice, rats and rabbits. However, major side effects of desferrioxamine treatment have been observed and the drug may accumulate in dialysis patients receiving repeated doses. In recent years, it has been reported that some dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids such as succinic, malic or citric may be considered as possible alternatives to desferrioxamine in the management of aluminum accumulation. Ethylene-di-(o- hydroxyphenylacetic acid) like compounds may also have potential as alternatives to desferrioxamine in the treatment of aluminum accumulation and aluminum induced toxicity. /Aluminum//Investigators/ have shown that intratracheal instillation of 40 mg aluminum oxide without adsorbed fluorides only resulted in an increase in fibronectin concentration, whereas aluminum oxide with adhered fluorides led to a significant increase in macrophages and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. This is indicative of the greater irritancy potential of the latter fluoride associated particles. |
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| Target organs | Eyes, skin, respiratory system |
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| Health effects | Aluminum targets the nervous system and causes decreased nervous system performance and is associated with altered function of the blood-brain barrier. The accumulation of aluminum in the body may cause bone or brain diseases. High levels of aluminum have been linked to Alzheimer's disease. A small percentage of people are allergic to aluminium and experience contact dermatitis, digestive disorders, vomiting or other symptoms upon contact or ingestion of products containing aluminium. (L739, L740) |
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| Adverse effects | Fibrogenic - Inducing tissue injury and fibrosis (scarring). |
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| Exposure routes | The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol.inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contactOral (L739)inhalation (L739) |
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| Toxicity summary | Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.orgThe main target organs of aluminum are the central nervous system and bone. Aluminum binds with dietary phosphorus and impairs gastrointestinal absorption of phosphorus. The decreased phosphate body burden results in osteomalacia (softening of the bones due to defective bone mineralization) and rickets. Aluminum's neurotoxicity is believed to involve several mechanisms. Changes in cytoskeletal protein functions as a results of altered phosphorylation, proteolysis, transport, and synthesis are believed to be one cause. Aluminum may induce neurobehavioral effects by affecting permeability of the blood-brain barrier, cholinergic activity, signal transduction pathways, lipid peroxidation, and impair neuronal glutamate nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway, as well as interfere with metabolism of essential trace elements because of similar coordination chemistries and consequent competitive interactions. It has been suggested that aluminum's interaction with estrogen receptors increases the expression of estrogen-related genes and thereby contributes to the progression of breast cancer (A235), but studies have not been able to establish a clear link between aluminum and increased risk of breast cancer (A15468). Certain aluminum salts induce immune responses by activating inflammasomes. (L739, A235, A236) |
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| Signs and Symptoms | Cough.Redness.irritation eyes, skin, respiratory systemInhalating aluminum dust causes coughing and abnormal chest X-rays. A small percentage of people are allergic to aluminium and experience contact dermatitis, digestive disorders, vomiting or other symptoms upon contact or ingestion of products containing aluminium. (L739, L740) |
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| Natural Pollution Sources | Occurs in nature as the minerals: bauxite, bayerite, boehmite, corundum, diaspore, gibbsite |
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| Human Toxicity Excerpts | /SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ The aluminium lung concentrations in 4 workers exposed to aluminium oxide for 10 to 37 years were 400 to 1080 mg/kg, respectively and correlated well with the extent of fibrosis./SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Aluminium oxide refinery workers exposed to some low temperature transitional aluminas demonstrated little evidence of pulmonary fibrosis and pneumoconiosis. The noted adverse effects were consistent with non-specific chronic industrial bronchitis associated with excessive, prolonged exposures to nuisance dust./SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ /In 1947/ a lung disease seen in 23 furnace feeders and ore bin operators, who had worked for 23 months to 15 years in a facility manufacturing the aluminium oxide abrasive, corundum /was described/. These workers were exposed to fumes containing considerable amounts of very fine aluminium oxide as well as silica and smaller quantities of many other substances. The disease was characterized by dyspnea, sudden attacks of extreme breathlessness, pneumothorax, and diffuse, irregular, lace-like, granular shadows rapidly progressing to a non-nodular fibrosis. This became known as Shaver's disease, a pulmonary fibrosis seen in workers in bauxite refining or exposed to finely divided aluminium powders, especially flake (pyro) powders. The fumes were shown to contain 30% silicon dioxide and 55% aluminium oxidethe silicon particle size (0.02 to 05 um) was smaller than that associated with classical silicosis./SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Effects of short-term exposure: Inhalation of high concentrations of dusts of this substance may cause eyes and upper respiratory tract irritation. Effects of long-term exposure: The substance may have effects on the central nervous system.For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Aluminum oxide (29 total), please visit the HSDB record page. |
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| Sediment/Soil Concentrations | SEDIMENT: In 1984, aluminum oxide was detected in sediments in the west branch of the Grand Calumet River, in Indiana and Illinois, at mean, median and maximum concentrations (% composition) of 8.60, 7.73 and 12.46, respectively(1). |
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| Carcinogen Classification | Not listed by IARC. IARC classified aluminum production as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), but did not implicate aluminum itself as a human carcinogen. (L135) A link between use of aluminum-containing antiperspirants and increased risk of breast cancer has been proposed (A235), but studies have not been able to establish a clear link (A15468). |
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| State Drinking Water Standards | (CA) CALIFORNIA 1000 ug/L /Aluminum/ |
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| State drinking water guidelines | (AZ) ARIZONA 73 ug/L /Aluminum/(CA) CALIFORNIA 200 ug/L /Aluminum/(ME) MAINE 1430 ug/L /Aluminum/ |
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| Federal drinking water guidelines | EPA 50-200 ug/L /Aluminum/ |
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| Signal word | Warning |
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| GHS pictogram | GHS08 |
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| GHS hazard statements | H373 |
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| GHS precautionary statements | P260-P314-P501 |
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