Aluminium oxide, also known as alumina, is an inorganic compound that is commonly used in a variety of applications. Here are some details about this compound:
Positive aspects:
- Used in sunscreen and cosmetics such as blush, lipstick, and nail polish.
- Used as a material in hip replacements and birth control pills.
- Used as a scintillator and dosimeter for radiation protection and therapy applications for its optically stimulated luminescence properties.
Negative aspects:
- Inhalation of alumina can cause respiratory concerns.
- Can cause allergies and immunotoxicity.
- Can be persistent and bioaccumulative.
- Can cause organ system toxicity.
- Can form explosive mixtures in air.
Ingredients or materials:
- Aluminium oxide is a white, odorless, crystalline (sand-like) powder.
- At neutral pH, gels of these compounds have different charges, the phosphate being negative and the hydroxide positive.
- Aluminium oxide 90 neutral is used for column chromatography.
It is important to note that the safety of aluminium oxide is a topic of ongoing research and debate. While it has many useful applications, it is also associated with potential health and environmental risks.