Copper Cas No. 7440-50-8

Copper

Cas No. 7440-50-8

Potential sources and exposure

Metallic copper (Cu) is used for wires due to its conductive properties and

copper compounds are used as insecticides, algicides, and molluscicides, as well

as for electroplating reagents. Copper tends to form complexes with both organic

and inorganic ligands, such as soils. Copper is used in water distribution piping,

cooking utensils, coinage, and natural gas piping. Exposure to copper for the

general population is typically via ingestion of drinking water which has passed

through copper piping. Occupational exposure to copper occurs primarily

through inhalation of fumes or dusts generated during welding.

Physical and chemical properties

Property

Value

Molecular weight

63.5 g/mol

Toxicity

Various effects from acute/subchronic exposures of humans to ingested

copper/copper sulfate have been reported: Nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain,

headache, dizziness, and abdominal cramps. Dermal exposure to relatively high

doses of copper salts may produce skin irritation and eczema. In eyes, copper

salts may cause conjunctivitis, and even ulceration and turbidity of the cornea.

Inhalation of copper fumes and dust may cause irritation of upper respiratory

tract, metallic taste in the mouth, nausea, metal fume fever and in some

instances, discoloration of skin and hair. The inhalation of dusts and mists of

copper salts through occupational exposure may result in irritation of the nasal

mucous membranes and the pharynx, and ulceration and perforation of the nasal

septum. No adverse effects via the occupational exposure of copper welders to

copper fumes were reported at concentrations up to 0.4 mg Cu/m3.

Chronic copper toxicity occurs in humans with Wilson's disease, a genetic

condition of copper metabolism. Patients with this condition are unable to

adequately metabolize copper at normal exposure level, resulting in damage to

erythrocytes, kidneys, corneas, and the central nervous system.

Chronic exposure (3 to 15 years) to copper sulfate by vineyard sprayers is

reported to have resulted in copper-containing benign granulomas in the lungs.

Toxicokinetics

Copper may be absorbed by dermal, oral, or inhalation exposure routes.

Copper absorption is influenced by climate, soil chemistry, diet, water softness,

D30

Appendix D Toxicological Profiles