Aluminum Dust

[ActionJ]

I didn't see a specific category for toxins so I thought I would post my question here.

Are there any experts or knowledgeable individuals who have studied the possible effects of working around aluminum dust on a day to day basis? I've been working with aluminum propane cylinders for about 9 months. The constant lifting, moving, filling, transporting, and delivery of these cylinders causes them to wear against each other and create a dust that deposits an almost black powder on my hands and arms every day. When I shower at the end of the day the tub is darkened by a black soot.

During the winter months I wore long sleeves and didn't notice any side effects as a result of working with these aluminum cylinders but now I'm wearing short sleeves. I don't know if there is a connection but I've recently become almost narcoleptic after work. I used to stay up until about 10:00PM but I'm ready to "crash" these days at 7:30 or 8:00. Could there be a relationship between aluminum dust and excessive sleepiness?

I don't drink alcohol or do any narcotics of any kind and my diet is basically the same as usual so I don't attribute my sleepiness to those things. I suppose that working in the heat could factor into the equation though.

 

[C-Man]

Wear a dust mask, and a long-sleeved shirt. I used to cut brake rotors when I worked in the auto parts, and when I did brake work and stuff. Before I wore the mask, at the end of the day, I'd hack something up, and I could see the gray metal dust in there. That's bad news if you breathe that junk in.

I don't think aluminum is bad by itself if it gets on your skin, but who knows what else is in that dust. But if it is bothering you, you might want to consider a change of profession. No job is worth wrecking your health.