Copper poisoning
Copper in the form of a simple substance is a soft, plastic metal of pinkish-red color with a characteristic luster, one of the first metals mastered by man. In air, the surface layer is rapidly oxidized with the formation of an oxide film of a characteristic intense shade.
Source: depositphotos.com
As a chemical element, copper is found everywhere: in the earth's crust, the water of the seas and oceans, in the chemical composition of animals and plants. In the human body, it belongs to irreplaceable biogenic trace elements, performing a number of important functions:
- affects the maturation of blood corpuscles;
- is a component of some enzymes;
- participates in the metabolism of iron and the formation of hemoglobin;
- increases the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates, contributes to the normal functioning of insulin;
- participates in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are necessary for the formation of connective, bone and cartilage tissues;
- plays a significant role in the occurrence of some neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases;
- has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, etc.
The daily requirement for copper for an adult is 1-2 mg per day (WHO recommendation is 1.5 mg), during pregnancy and breastfeeding it increases to 2-2.5 mg. The rate of copper consumption by children varies depending on age: for children 1-3 years old - 1 mg, from 4 to 6 years old - 1.5 mg, 7-12 years old - 2 mg, 12-18 years old - 2.5 mg.
The demand for copper in the industry is explained by its extensive distribution, ease of production and valuable characteristics (electrical conductivity, plasticity, thermal conductivity):
- production of power cables, wires and other conductors;
- manufacturing of cooling, air conditioning and heating elements;
- production of water and gas seamless pipes;
- production of technical, decorative and jewelry alloys;
- use in the chemical industry.
Despite a wide range of useful characteristics, copper can exhibit toxic properties when its maximum permissible concentration in drinking water or food is exceeded. With excessive intake of the body, the development of acute or, with prolonged exposure, chronic intoxication is likely.
How does copper poisoning happen?
Copper poisoning is possible both at work and at home. The ways of getting it into the body are different: ingestion, inhalation of copper-containing vapors, aerosols or copper dust.
The most common causes of poisoning include:
- grinding and polishing of copper products;
- work in a foundry with copper and zinc alloys (foundry or copper casting fever);
- dressing of seed grain (copper-dressing fever);
- constant professional contact with metal (in the production of glass and enamels, for the production of paints, in electroplating, in the textile industry) in case of violation of production technology, non-compliance with safety measures, neglect of personal protective equipment;
- treatment of plants with Bordeaux liquid, copper sulfate;
- the use of copper dishes;
- the use of foods tinted with copper salts;
- the use of copper equipment in the production and storage of food;
- accidental or mistaken use of fungicidal liquids, including by children while playing;
- deliberate use of chemicals containing copper for suicidal purposes.
Poisoning symptoms
The severity of symptoms of acute copper poisoning varies depending on the dose and method of ingestion of the metal into the body.
Copper-herb fever
When the fine dust is inhaled, copper-milling fever develops. After a few hours (less often - up to 2 days) of the latent period, the victim complains:
- severe weakness, loss of appetite, drowsiness;
- tremendous chills;
- an increase in body temperature to 38.5-39 ° C and above;
- profuse pouring sweat after a decrease in temperature;
- perspiration, dryness, burning sensation in the nasopharynx;
- discomfort when swallowing;
- hoarseness of voice;
- nausea, vomiting;
- nosebleeds;
- sharp pain in the umbilical region;
- bloating.
Foundry Fever
Inhalation of copper vapors and aerosols may also lead to acute poisoning in the form of foundry fever:
- general weakness, feeling of weakness, lack of appetite;
- burning and tickling in the nasopharynx;
- dry barking cough;
- headache, muscle and joint pain;
- the appearance of a true fever - a feeling of coldness is replaced by a sharp chill that lasts for several hours;
- the fever is resolved by torrential sweat, the temperature drops critically to normal.
As a rule, after 2-3 days from the onset of the disease, the symptoms of foundry and copper-mordant fevers stop on their own, and an improvement in well-being occurs.
Oral intoxication
When ingested, copper and its compounds provoke inflammation of the digestive tract in combination with symptoms of general acute intoxication:
- decreased performance, weakness;
- lack of appetite;
- an increase in body temperature to febrile numbers;
- intense chills;
- increased salivation;
- intense cramping pain in the umbilical region;
- nausea, vomiting, vomit can be colored blue, blue-green;
- a sweet metallic taste and dry mouth;
- loose stools;
- icteric staining of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera;
- the appearance of blood in the urine.
In the case of the formation of ulcerative defects on the gastric mucosa, blood may appear in the vomit or in the stool.
Source: depositphotos.com
Chronic intoxication
In chronic poisoning with metal and its compounds, there are no specific clinical manifestations. The victims are worried about general weakness, fatigue, dizziness, various digestive disorders, yellowness of the skin and mucous membranes, lowering blood pressure, etc. Symptoms develop gradually over a long time.
Characterized by the appearance of yellowish-green or greenish-brown coloration along the periphery of the cornea of the eye, the so-called Kaiser-Fleischer rings, which are deposits of copper. In addition to the cornea, during chronic intoxication, copper accumulates in the lungs, liver, kidneys, causing their irreversible changes.
First aid for copper poisoning
- Remove the victim from the site of exposure to the toxin.
- Rinse thoroughly (10-15 minutes) eyes, unprotected skin and rinse mouth with running water.
- To lavage the stomach with 1-1.5 liters of warm water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate, for which to drink the liquid and, by pressing on the root of the tongue, provoke an emetic urge.
- Take enterosorbent (Lactofiltrum, Enterosgel, Polysorb).
- Take a saline laxative (magnesium sulfate) - in the absence of diarrhea.
- In case of repeated vomiting and diarrhea, it is necessary to replenish the loss of fluid (saline solutions (Rehydron, Hydrovit, Oralit) or salt-free (tea, water, still mineral water, up to 2-2.5 liters per day in small portions).
When is medical attention required?
In case of inhalation or oral poisoning with metal, its compounds, vapors, aerosols or dust, it is imperative to seek medical attention.
Treatment is aimed at maintaining vital functions, speeding up the elimination of poison from the body, eliminating the symptoms of the disease and rehabilitation of the affected organs.
Possible consequences
Copper poisoning can lead to serious complications:
- acute renal, hepatic failure;
- necrotizing nephrosis;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- neurological disorders (seizures, parkinsonism, impaired neuromuscular conduction, epileptiform seizures);
- hemolytic anemia;
- depressive conditions;
- coma, death.
Prevention
- Compliance with safety measures at the workplace and all stages of the technological process in professional contact with copper.
- Strict adherence to instructions for working with copper-containing pesticides.
- Use of personal protective equipment (mask, respirator, goggles, gloves) in contact with copper-containing pesticides.
- Refusal to store or prepare food in copper dishes.
- Store chemicals containing copper out of the reach of children.
Olesya Smolnyakova Therapy, clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy About the author
Education: higher, 2004 (GOU VPO "Kursk State Medical University"), specialty "General Medicine", qualification "Doctor". 2008-2012 - Postgraduate student of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, KSMU, Candidate of Medical Sciences (2013, specialty "Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology"). 2014-2015 - professional retraining, specialty "Management in education", FSBEI HPE "KSU".
The information is generalized and provided for informational purposes only. At the first sign of illness, see your doctor. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
