By Kelly DiGeronimo and Morgan Plessner

Aluminum

2nd most abundant metallic element in the Earth’s crust after Silicon

Characteristics- light, malleable, ductile, resistant of corrosion, and durable

Aluminum recovery from scrap is an important and vital part of the Al industry (Mechanics find it easy to work with as well as packing industries who use it to produce cans)

Basic Facts about Aluminum

Percentage of Al used in industries

Packing 25%Construction 15%Transportation 34%Electrical 8%

1971-74 Price Controls 1973-75 Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) (oil

embargo sharp recession) 1986-88 Worldwide supply shortages 1991 Dissolution of the Soviet Union In the late 1800's and early 1900's, aluminum was actually considered

a scarce and expensive material-the tip of the Washington Memorial was covered in aluminum as it was a rare metal at the time.

Since then, aluminum has become drastically less expensive to produce through the new process of electrolysis, and its cultural significance has changed entirely.

Now aluminum is one of the cheapest metals, priced below even lead, copper, nickel, and tin. It would no longer receive a place of honor, but is instead used many times in the average American's daily life, in the kitchen, through technology, in vehicles, and in many other places.

A Little History

36% of exportation of Aluminum comes from Australia

Australia, Germany, and China account for 20% of consumption

The United States, China, Japan, and Germany account for 50% of consumption

Aluminum around the World

400 years to break down in land fills95% less energy to recycle aluminum than it

does to mine for new aluminum Can be recycled almost indefinitely because

of its chemical make-upRecycling produces 95% less air pollution and

97% less water pollution than mining for new ore does

Large amounts of Al are harmful to humans but the only humans usually exposed to a high concentration are miners

Environmental Effects

The water-soluble form of Al is the most harmful to these miners

However, sometimes Al ions mix with other ions to form substances harmful to people during their everyday lives. (ex. Aluminum Chlorine)

The affects of this consist of: Damage to the central nervous system

- Dementia- Loss of memory- Listlessness- Severe trembling

Health Complications

Organizations such as Aluminum Industrial Partnership (VAIP) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pollution Prevention program have been formed to promote awareness of the benefits recycling Al

Economically, recycling Aluminum is beneficial because it is much cheaper to recycle compared to mining for new ore

When Al cans are recycled, money can be put towards community services

Social Effects

Callahan, Rob. "Harmful Effects of Not Recycling Aluminum." eHow Health. Web. 26 Sep 2012. <http://www.ehow.com/list_6156495_harmful-effects-not-recycling-aluminum.html>.

West, Larry. "The Benefits of Aluminum Recycling: Why Recycle Aluminum." About.com Environmental Issues. Web. 26 Sep 2012.

"Aluminum." Water Treatment Solutions- Lenntech. Lenntech. Web. 26 Sep 2012. <http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/al.htm>.

Works Cited

http://cdn2.content.compendiumblog.com/uploads/user/458939f4-fe08-4dbc-b271-efca0f5a2682/ba6a552e-3bc0-4eed-9c9a-eae3ade49498/Image/38a67340877ed4dffbee358f52b2dbf3/time_series_plot_of_aluminum__glass__paper__plastics.jpg

www.google.com/images-aluminum

Picture URLs