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 result in subtle neurological dysfunction, another area that needs further investigation.