Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) toxicology, clinical and forensic implications

Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) is a widely used inorganic aluminium compound employed in industrial processes, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products, resulting in continuous lowlevel human exposure.Growing toxicological evidence has raised concerns regarding its adverse effects on multiple organ systems, particularly the nervous, skeletal, renal, and hematopoietic systems.This review synthesizes current knowledge on the toxicology of AlCl₃, emphasizing its physicochemical properties, toxicokinetics, molecular mechanisms of toxicity, systemic effects, and clinical and forensic significance.A narrative review of peer-reviewed experimental, epidemiological, and clinically relevant studies was conducted using the keywords, AlCl₃, aluminium toxicity, corrosive agents, neurotoxicity, osteomalacia, occupational toxicology, and forensic toxicology.Major scientific databases were consulted, with emphasis on mechanistic, clinical, and forensic literature.Evidence indicates that AlCl₃ exhibits high reactivity and increased bioavailability under acidic conditions, facilitating gastrointestinal absorption and systemic distribution.Toxicokinetic studies demonstrate preferential accumulation in the brain, bones, and kidneys, with limited elimination.At the molecular level, AlCl₃ promotes oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and disruption of calcium and iron homeostasis.These mechanisms contribute to neurocognitive impairment, bone demineralization, renal dysfunction, and hematological abnormalities.Improved exposure assessment and stronger regulatory measures are essential for effective risk management and public health protection.