When aluminium sulfate is used in cosmetics such as lipsticks, facial cleansers, and other products, the most common range of the amount of aluminium sulfate taking into consideration the LD50, amounts vary from 162 - 750mg in rats (Brenner, 2014). Although, aluminum sulfate is considered to be non-toxic, specific doses are required because an abundant exposure to this chemical can lead to adverse effects on the nervous system. Individuals who have an excess amount of aluminium sulfate in their body, they tend to have disorders because of the alum in some areas of their brain. Also, the a specific concentration is important of aluminum sulfate because, a large intake can cause disorders such as, osteomalacia, glucose intolerance, and cardiac arrest (ES, 1997).
In the water purification system, according to the USALCO, when using aluminium sulfate in water the maximum dosage allowed by the NSF and ANSI is 150 mg/L. This dosage meets the American Water Works association (n.a, 2015). When too much aluminium sulfate is added to the water, the ions of aluminium sulfate hang around in the water, or sometimes aluminium sulfate is leeched into the water of an aquarium which causes fish and other aquatic animals to experience toxic effects. An inadequate amount of aluminum sulfate in lakes and rivers, results in a high amount of phosphorus in the lake or river. A small dose of aluminum sulfate is not sufficient for removing the phosphorus present.
During the process of dyeing and printing cloth, aluminium sulfate is used at varying concentrations. These concentrations can be dependent on: the type of fabric that is being used, the depth of the colour of the cloth that is wanted, and colour dye that is being used (Wipplinger, 2004). The average concentrations of aluminium sulfate that are used vary from 8-15% based on the weight of the goods. Excess aluminum sulfate used during dyeing will result in a dull colour of the fabric. The fabric will dull due to the iron present in industrial aluminum sulfate. An inadequate amount of aluminum sulfate will insufficiently dye the fabric, leaving a faint colour. (Wipplinger, 2004)