Reconsidering the importance of long-term low-level aluminum exposure in renal failure patients

Aluminum toxicity is widely considered a problem of the past. However, low- level aluminum exposure and low but abnormal body burdens of aluminum are c ommon. Aluminon, the routinely used histochemical stain for aluminum in bon e, has a low sensitivity. The role of aluminum in renal osteodystrophy need s to be reassessed using more sensitive techniques. Low-level aluminum expo sure also may result in subtle neurological dysfunction, another area that needs further investigation.