Re: safety - pcb dust hazard

Hi Mariss,

I guess I did over state that a little. Steel is more common to us
and is not found in nature.

Aluminum, as a pure substance is not found in nature as it readily
reacts with both bases and acids. Aluminum salts are pleantiful as
you pointed out, and are in many of the things around us.

Aluminum, that atom, Element 13, AL, has 3 electrons in the 3rd ring
which makes it so reactive, and why it is bound in nature.

When we refine it and make pure Aluminum, the outter surface reacts
quickly with oxygen forming a protective coating. when we cut it or
grind it, then inhale it, it reacts with our body chemistry. dry
mouth is one sign of breathing alumunim dust or powder.

Aluminum cooking utensils react with many foods and some of the
resultant chemical compounds released are toxic. You can find this
data easily on the web.

Although not proven to the FDA's level of requirements, aluminum is
considdered one of the major factors in Alzheimers, not that any of
use would remember though.

As a general guideline, don't breath insdustrial fumes regarless of
the quantity. Solder off gasses lead and although the effects may
not be seen by you in your life, others with lesser active brain
cells may notice the effects more quickly.

In my experiance, I get really dry and cracked skin when washing my
hands is any good soap that cuts oils and removes dirt.

Live in a bubble ? no
open a window when convienient ? certanly. but I think most of us
take some measures when the stuff we work on stinks, is dusty or in
some way annoys us.

My earlier post was to illistrate how easy and innexpensive it is to
add those particulate/odor/dust and chip removal devices in a shop.
I was amazed at how elaborate people get when venting plasma cutting
machines. some of those guys spend real money!

and just because someone is paranoid, doesn't mean someone isn't out
to get them !


Dave

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "mariss92705" <mariss92705@y...> wrote:
> Dave,
>
> Actually aluminum is the most common metal available on the surface
> of the earth. If I'm not mistaken, all clay is composed of aluminum
> salts and oxides, as are most soils and rocks.
>
> Mariss
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "dave_ace_me" <davemucha@j...> wrote:
> > Hi Andrew,
> >
> >(snip)
> >
> > Seems aluminum is the ONLY common metal NOT common in nature.
your
> > body uses iron, boron, zinc, copper.. you name it. but not
aluminum.
> >
> > Dave