Is Aluminium Foil Really Safe? Expert Breaks the Myths
Concerns about aluminium vessels and foil have become common in many Indian kitchens, with many people fearing that this everyday metal can leach into food and cause cancer. Addressing this growing worry, leading cancer specialist Jayesh Sharma recently shared a detailed explanation on social media to separate facts from fear. His goal was to clarify whether using aluminium for cooking or packing hot food is truly harmful.
Why Aluminium Is Used in Cooking and Packaging
1. Aluminium is extremely abundant
It is one of the most commonly available metals on earth, making it affordable and easy to use across industries, including cookware and food packaging.
2. It is lightweight and easy to handle
Unlike many other metals, aluminium is light, making it convenient for utensils, tiffin boxes, and foil wraps.
3. It stays stable with most foods
Importantly, aluminium does not react with most types of food. As a result, only a tiny trace of aluminium enters food, and even this small amount is poorly absorbed by the human body. Any absorbed amount is filtered out by the kidneys.
Aluminium is not considered a heavy metal. In contrast, harmful heavy metals include lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, nickel, cobalt, copper, zinc, tin, thallium, vanadium, antimony, and bismuth.
Does Aluminium Cause Cancer? Experts Say No
While aluminium can be toxic in extremely high amounts, Sharma emphasised that it is not classified as a cancer-causing substance. For the average person, consuming about 60–80 mg of aluminium per day does not pose a health risk, and reaching this level through normal food practices is quite difficult.
Therefore, blaming aluminium vessels and foil for cancer is far-fetched. As Sharma compared, it is like blaming the foil around a cigarette instead of the cigarette itself.
Precautions to Use Aluminium Safely
Although aluminium is generally safe, a few sensible precautions can reduce unnecessary exposure:
- Avoid cooking on very high heat in aluminium cookware.
- Do not prepare highly sour or acidic foods such as tamarind-based dishes in aluminium vessels.
- Avoid storing acidic or salty foods in aluminium containers for long periods.
By following these steps, households can continue using aluminium vessels and foil without unnecessary fear.
Conclusion
Current scientific evidence shows that aluminium vessels and foil are safe for everyday use when handled properly. The metal does not accumulate in the body, is not classified as a carcinogen, and poses minimal health risks under normal cooking conditions. Instead of fearing aluminium, experts advise focusing more on limiting fast food and adopting healthier eating habits.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 11 December 2025
- 20:00
