Aluminum hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide is a hydroxide salt form of aluminum. It is commonly used as a drug, and can be found in antacids for the treatment of heartburn, gastritis, and peptic ulcers. It may also be used to reduce the absorption of phosphorus in people with kidney failure.

It is toxic and even deadly. It damages all different types of tissues, and is slightly less toxic than lead or mercury.

Properties
In appearance, it is a white powder. It has no odor, the solubility is partial in water, the specific gravity is 2.24, the pH value is >7, which makes it basic and its melting point is 300c. In nature, Aluminum hydroxide is found as a mineral gibbsite (also known as hydrargillite). In its purified form it is either granules or a white bulky powder. Aluminum hydroxide is insoluble in water. When it is in water aluminum hydroxide, it acts as a amphoteric substance in an acid. It is only soluble in a strong acid.

Occurrences
Aluminum hydroxide occurs in a lot of medication to reduce heartburn, sour stomach, peptic ulcer pain and to endorse the healing of peptic ulcers. It may also be used to decrease the amount of phosphate in the blood of patients with kidney diseases. It is also an antacid that takes a quick effect to lower the stomach acid. It would work faster and more efficiently as a liquid. There are some precautions that people need to follow before they take this as a medication such as: 
 * an allergic reaction to any medicine
 * edema (swelling of the legs and feet)
 * heart disease
 * intestinal or stomach problems such as colitis, diverticulitis, or rectal bleeding
 * kidney or liver disease
 * phenylketonuria (PKU). Some chewable tablets contain phenylalanine.

Uses
Aluminum Hydroxide has a lot of uses such as a relief for heartburn, sour stomach, peptic ulcer pain and to suggest the healing of peptic ulcers. It is also used as a medication and absorbs substances on its surface. It can also be used in chemical operations. Aluminum hydroxide is also an antacid behaving as a base. It reacts with excess stomach acid to give a person relief from things like heartburn. It can be found in medication such as Di-Gel, Maalox, Gelusil and Amphojel. You can also find aluminum hydroxide in a mordant for dyeing. Other uses for aluminum hydroxide are the manufacturing of aluminosilicate glass, for waterproofing fabrics and in making fire clay, paper and printing inks.

Safety precautions
Aluminum hydroxide can be a very dangerous chemical. It can cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract. It also has several health effects such as: The first aid measures you must take to avoid these problems are: When storing aluminum hydroxide keep it in a tightly closed container and store it in a cool and dry area. Also keep it protected against physical damage. When handling, use goggles, a lab coat, and the proper gloves. 
 * If you inhale it causes irritation in the respiratory tract.
 * If you get it in your eyes they become irritated and they become red.
 * Any prolonged exposure to the skin may cause a minor irritation.
 * If you have inhaled it you need to move to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention!!!
 * If you get it on your skin you must wash exposed area with soap and water. then if irritation develops get medical attention.
 * If you get it in your eyes you must wash your eyes out with plenty of water for a total of 15 min. Then get medical attention!!