Aluminium technology is of increasing importance in many industrial sectors. Adverse effects on the respiratory tract are reported among workers exposed to high levels of aluminium dust and welding fumes containing aluminium. In chest x-rays only advanced stages of the alterations can be detected. If high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is used, early stages can be detected as centrilobular opacities. In welders emphysema is also found frequently. Using biological monitoring, risk groups can be identified and should then be examined with HRCT during occupational health monitoring. It is still unknown whether the adverse effects described here also occur in persons exposed to aluminium in other occupations such as polishers or foundry workers.
