Copper is an essential trace mineral in humans and is required for the functioning of several enzymes needed to maintain life. The recommended daily allowance of opper is .9 milligrams per day. Excess levels of copper, however, are associated with toxicity. This can occur if you are exposed to industrial levels of the mineral in the workplace. A genetic condition, known as Wilson's disease, may also lead to copper toxicity in humans.
Acute Copper Toxicity
A sudden, large exposure to copper in any form can cause serious disease. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The damage to the liver can cause jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin. The liver toxicity can be fatal, depending on the severity of damage. Other symptoms include anemia, chills, convulsions, decreased urine output and muscle weakness.
Chronic Copper Toxicity
Chronic copper deficiency is rare in normal individuals as mammals are able to regulate their copper stores and excrete excess mineral. Chronic copper toxicity can occur in individuals that use copper vessels for cooking. In the liver, it can lead to a permanent, irreversible liver condition, known as cirrhosis. It can also be toxic to the kidney, resulting in renal failure. An increased serum copper is also associated with heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Other Possible Toxicities
Copper is classified as a Group D carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency, signifying a lack of evidence concerning its cancer-causing potential. Studies in rats have shown that high doses of copper can cause developmental and reproductive abnormalities, reports the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
Wilson's Disease
Wilson's disease is a rare genetically inherited defect in the excretion of copper. Because the liver is unable to excrete the mineral, it gradually accumulates in the body. The excess copper deposits in various sites of the body can causes a variety of symptoms, which may start any any age. In the liver, it can cause inflammation, called hepatits, or it can gradually cause cirrhosis. Copper can also deposit in the brain, causing tremors, muscle rigidity and dementia.
Treatment
Acute copper exposure is an emergency and if you are exposed, contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for prompt advice. Typically a gastric lavage is done to remove as much copper as possible from the stomach. Both acute and chronic copper exposure, as well as Wilson's disease, can also be treated with chelation therapy. In this treatment, nontoxic substances are injected into the blood which bind to copper, thereby allowing it to be excreted in the urine. Common medicines used for this are D-penicillamine and trientine.
References
- "Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine"; Nicholas A. Boon, et al.; 2006
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services: Copper: Health Information Summary; 2005
- MedLine Plus: Copper Poisoning; 1/15/2010
- Linus Pauling Insitute: Copper; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; April 2003
- Merck Manual: Copper
