Strange structures on Aluminiium Hydroxide??

[supersecondrow]

I recently made what I believe to be aluminium hydroxide by neutralizing polyaluminium chloride AlnCl(3n-m)(OH)m with sodium hydroxide. I got a white gel that precipitated in water and eventually dried to a hard white solid. With time (a few days) fine rod-like structures with white balls on them began to form on top of the aluminium hydroxide. I've attached some pictures to help show what I mean. I was wondering if these rod-like structures are carcinogenic (like fiberglass) or harmful in anyway or if it isn't even Al(OH)3 like I thought. Any help will be appreciated.

 

It seems pictures can't be attached right now.

[DrP]

As far as I'm aware ATH is not listed as a carcinogen. I buy it in 25 kg bags on 1000kg pallets at work. Looking again at it's MSDS again - there is nothing on there to indicate that it can be harmful. I think it is advised not to breath any dusts from chemicals though.

 

 

Here's an online MSDS for it: http://www.frankmin.com/athms04.pdf

[YT2095]

Al(OH)3 is perfectly safe, in fact it`s sold over the counter as an antacid and to help lower blood phosphate levels, it`s called Aludrox.

[Tsadi]

It's safe.

[supersecondrow]

Thanks for the reassurance but here are some pictures of what I was worried about:

 

1.

 

2.

Edited October 6, 2008 by supersecondrow
Forgot to include pictures

[jjrod1136]

Do you guys know where can I get Aluminum Clorohydrate in a solid Form? They used this product in water treatment facilities, they used in a diluted form but we want to get it in a solid form. Can you help me?