ALUMINUM, METAL (as Al) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Chemical Identification
CAS #	7429-90-5
Formula	Al
Synonyms	aluminum; aluminum metal; aluminum powder; elemental aluminum

Physical Properties
Physical description	Silvery-white, malleable, ductile, odorless metal.
Boiling point	4221°F	Molecular weight	27.0
Freezing point/melting point	1220°F	Vapor pressure	0 mmHg (approx)
Flash point		Vapor density
Specific gravity	2.70	Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL)		Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating	0	NFPA fire rating	3
NFPA reactivity rating	1	NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA
Analyte code (IMIS no.)	A100 (total); request using analyte code 9135	A110 (resp); request using analyte code 9130
Sampling group
Sampler/Sampling media	Tared low-ash 37 mm PVC filter, 5 microns [SLTC108]	Tared low-ash 37 mm PVC filter, 5 microns, preceded by 10 mm nylon Dorr-Oliver cyclone for respirable samples. [SLTC108]
Sampling time^*	240-480 min	240-480 min
Sampling volume (TWA)^*	480-960 L	816 L
Sampling flow rate (TWA)^*	2 L/min	1.7 L/min ±5%
Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)^*
Analytical method instruments	Gravimetric	Gravimetric
Method reference	OSHA PV2121 (partially validated)	OSHA PV2121 (partially validated)
Notes	Samples are first analyzed gravimetrically. If the gravimetric result of a sample yields a concentration below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), the SLTC will report the calculated air concentration from the gravimetric result, qualified as less than or equal to the gravimetric result; no further work on the sample will be performed. If the gravimetric result indicates an air concentration greater than the PEL, the sample will proceed for elemental analysis. Results will be reported from the elemental analysis for the element only; the stated identity of the actual sample contents is based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.	Samples are first analyzed gravimetrically. If the gravimetric result of a sample yields a concentration below the permissible exposure limit (PEL), the SLTC will report the calculated air concentration from the gravimetric result, qualified as less than or equal to the gravimetric result; no further work on the sample will be performed. If the gravimetric result indicates an air concentration greater than the PEL, the sample will proceed for elemental analysis. Results will be reported from the elemental analysis for the element only; the stated identity of the actual sample contents is based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes. The standard applies to the Respirable Fraction. Samples must be collected with a Dorr-Oliver cyclone.
Special requirements	FOR TOTAL DUST SAMPLES, DO NOT USE A CYCLONE!!

Bulk/Wipe Method
Wipe Sampler/Sampling media
Bulk Method	Available

On-Site Screening Techniques
Device
Model/Type
Sampling information (see manufacturer instructions)

**Exposure Limits**
OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak		NIOSH REL Up to 10-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		ACGIH TLV© 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling		CAL/OSHA PEL 8-hour TWA (ST) STEL (C) Ceiling Peak
PEL-TWA	15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)	REL-TWA	10 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)	TLV-TWA		PEL-TWA	10 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
PEL-STEL		REL-STEL		TLV-STEL		PEL-STEL
PEL-C		REL-C		TLV-C		PEL-C
Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N	Skin notation	N
Notes: See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1.		Notes:		Notes: Visit the ACGIH TLV site for specific data		Notes:
Health factors: See NIH-NLM PubChem.		IDLH
Carcinogenic classifications: TLV-A4		Notes:
AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

NOAA: CAMEO Chemicals - Aluminum powder, coated

NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Aluminum

Literature References

ACGIH: Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) and Biological Exposure Indices (BEIs) - Aluminum Metal and Insoluble Compounds. See annual publication for most recent information.
NIOSH: Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Aluminum (pyro powders and welding fumes, as Al).
ATSDR: Toxicological Profile for Aluminum. September 2008.
Bogdanovic, M. and Bulat, P.: Biliary Function in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Aluminum Dust and Fumes. Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology 59(2): 135-9, 2008.
NIOSH: Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Welding, Brazing, and Thermal Cutting. 1988.
NIOSH: Recommendations for occupational safety and health - Compendium of policy documents and statements. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 92-100. 1992.
NIOSH: Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards. US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Publication No. 81-123, (1981, January). Provides a table of contents of guidelines for many hazardous chemicals. The files provide technical chemical information, including chemical and physical properties, health effects, exposure limits, and recommendations for medical monitoring, personal protective equipment (PPE), and control procedures.
van Rooy, F.G., Houba, R., Stigter, H., Zaat, V.A., Zengeni, M.M., Rooyackers, J.M., Boers, H.E., Heederik, D.J.: A cross-sectional study of exposures, lung function and respiratory symptoms among aluminium cast-house workers. Occup Environ Med. 68(12): 876-82, 2011.

ALUMINUM, METAL (as Al)†

Chemical Identification

Physical Properties

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Bulk/Wipe Method

On-Site Screening Techniques

Exposure Limits

Additional Resources and Literature References