Aluminum (sulfate, or sulfate) is a complex inorganic substance. This is a white salt with a characteristic bluish tint (pink is acceptable). Crystalline hydrate is colorless. Hygroscopic. It dissolves in water quite quickly.
A solution of aluminum sulfate is often used for water treatment (when coagulating, impurities settle and are filtered out without any problems), in the processing of textiles. In a slightly alkaline medium (as well as in a neutral one), a precipitate (gelatinous insoluble pigment) is used, which is used for dyeing fabrics and for printing.
Aluminum (sulfate, or sulfate) perfectly neutralizes garden soils with high pH. This property is used by gardeners, seeking the re-flowering of certain types of flowers.
Aluminum (sulfate, of course) is included in a number of antiperspirants. True, the question of its negative effect on the skin is being asked more and more often. It is believed that with frequent use it can cause irritation and even allergies.
Aluminum sulfate (sulfate) is also used in the construction industry (as an accelerator, waterproofing). It is quite effective in the fight against slugs, mollusks, insects. Moreover, aluminum sulfate can be found in complex fertilizers. Without it, the production of fire extinguishers is impossible. Some cosmetic companies use this substance in the manufacture of their products (mascara, eye shadow).
Aluminum sulfate is included in the composition of drugs that relieve irritation that appears after an insect bite. The action is the destruction of toxic substances injected by insects into the skin. Drugs are produced more often in the form of a spray, which directly processes the affected area (or areas).
In the food industry, aluminum sulfate is found in a number of emulsifier additives (called E-520). This substance, which is both a hardener, and a means for peeling the fruit, and a substitute for yeast. They clarify the water, process lobster and crab meat. And yet - this is an excellent tool that allows you to achieve a denser consistency when preserving vegetables.
Technical aluminum sulfate (Al2 (SO4) 3) is obtained by the reaction of sulfuric acid and aluminum hydroxide. We can observe it in crystals (plates) and pieces of indefinite shape up to 10 kg (second or third grade), but usually it is a homogeneous free-flowing substance (crystals up to 20 mm, premium).
When inhaling the vapors (dust) of this substance, a cough begins, shortness of breath. Contact with eyes and skin leads to redness, itching, pain, and even severe burns. Ingestion causes stomach irritation, accompanied by vomiting with diarrhea.
First aid in case of poisoning with aluminum sulfate involves:
- washing eyes or skin;
- exit from the area of poisoning to fresh air;
- taking a glass of milk with further provoking vomiting;
- see a doctor.
Aluminum sulfate is stored in cool, dry places. The container must be tightly closed. Mixing with other substances is unacceptable (contact with bicarbonates, for example, is literally explosive).