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 common. Aluminon, the routinely used histochemical stain for aluminum in bone, has a low sensitivity. The role of aluminum in renal osteodystrophy needs to be reassessed using more sensitive techniques. Low-level aluminum exposure also may resu in subtle neurological dysfunction, another area that needs further investigation.