ALUMINUM, METAL (as Al)†

Chemical Identification
Chemical Identification
CAS # 7429-90-5
Formula

Al

Synonyms

aluminum; aluminum metal; aluminum powder; elemental aluminum

Physical Properties
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
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!!

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

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

Available

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

1 mg/m³ (respirable particulate matter) [2007]

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: 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
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.

Last Updated Date : 06/02/2022