Can Aluminium Foil Cause Cancer? What Science Actually Says

Among other necessary items, aluminium foil is one of the key staples of a modern kitchen. We use it to bake, grill, wrap leftovers and protect foods. But a question that is hovering in people's minds these days, through social media, is whether aluminium foil can cause cancer? The quick and evidence-based answer is no, there is no conclusive proof that says that normal use of aluminium foil causes cancer. But aluminium can also move from foil into certain food under certain conditions and scientists continue to study whether long-term exposure carries any risks.


Aluminium is a reactive metal, so if the food is acidic, heavily salty, tomato-based dishes or cooked for a long time at high temperature, then a certain amount of aluminium can leach from the foil to the food.
Health agencies and toxicologists have made an important distinction between environmental or occupational exposure to aluminium, that is, inhaling aluminium dust in factories or something and dietary exposure, such as cookware, foil or food items. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer hazards related to aluminium production are separate from dietary exposure.

Food that is highly cooked, acidic in nature or salty, avoid wrapping up directly in foil. Food items like tomato-based dishes, pickles or citrus marinades.

If you are using aluminium pots to cook food, then it is imperative to know that the pot is of anodised aluminium, that is, it has undergone an electrochemical process to create a hard, protective and decorative oxide layer outside on its surface making it a corrosion-resistant, protective pot.

Food is not the only source of aluminium either: antacids, certain additives, drinking water and even a few foodstuffs processed are sources that may raise the contribution. Stress general, prudent exposure reduction, rather than alarmist avoidance. If taking aluminium-containing medicines-e.g., some antacids-discuss doses with a healthcare professional.

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Q1. What metal is linked to Alzheimer's?
Ans: lead, cadmium, and manganese

Q2. What causes 70% of dementia?
Ans: Alzheimer's disease

Q3. Why should we stop using aluminium foil?
Ans: leaching aluminium into food, especially with acidic or salty foods cooked at high temperatures, which may be linked to health issues over time.