Copper hydroxide — toxicity, side effects, diseases and environmental impacts/ Υδροξείδιο του χαλκού - τοξικότητα, παρενέργειες, ασθένειες και
περιβαλλοντικές επιπτώσεις
Copper
(II) hydroxide is the hydroxide of copper, a malleable, reddish-orange metal.
This material typically appears a pale-blue solid or powder. Synthetically
producing copper (II) hydroxide usually involves mixing a sodium hydroxide with
a dilute solution of copper (II) sulfate; another method makes use of
electrolyzing water.
According to the Pesticide Properties Database,
copper (II) hydroxide is a “widely used copper fungicide” that has been
approved for use against fungal and bacterial diseases in various countries.
List of known side effects
Swallowing
copper (II) hydroxide is very dangerous as it can lead to copper compound
poisoning, the symptoms of which are:
Anemia
Burning in the chest and abdomen
Diarrhea
Headaches
Intense nausea
Metallic taste
Shock
Sweating
Vomiting
In more severe cases, the affected individual or
individuals can excrete black or tarry stools, expunge vomit with blood, or
become jaundiced. If vomiting doesn’t occur following ingestion, then systemic
poisoning can happen, which in turn can lead to kidney and liver damage,
widespread capillary damage, or even death.
Although its designation as a respiratory irritant is
debated on, the inhalation of copper (II) hydroxide can lead to health
complications, regardless. Breathing in the fumes or dust of this material can
lead to headaches and cold sweats, while prolonged exposure can result in
respiratory discomfort or distress.
Direct contact with copper (II) hydroxide can be just
as dangerous. Ocular contact can result in eye irritation, eye damage, conjunctivitis,
or even corneal ulcerations and turbidity. Dermal contact, on the other hand,
can induce skin irritation or inflammation. Skin with cuts, abrasions, or
lesions are at high risk of producing systemic injuries, as these can serve as
entry routes for copper (II) hydroxide to infiltrate the bloodstream.
Body
systems affected by copper (II) hydroxide
Ingesting copper (II) hydroxide can lead to the
stomach retaining and absorbing this material. This can result in toxic
injuries across numerous organs and organ systems, primarily:
blood;
brain;
capillaries;
gastrointestinal lining;
kidneys; and
liver.
Inhaling copper (II) hydroxide can damage the
respiratory system. Long-term exposure of large amounts of this material can
impair lung function and increase the risk of respiratory conditions like
pneumoconiosis, a lung disease brought about by breathing in dust particles.
Moreover, copper (II) hydroxide can exacerbate pre-existing respiratory
conditions and disease, namely chronic bronchitis or emphysema, a long-term
lung disease characterized by the shortness of breath.
Furthermore, certain rare hereditary conditions (e.g.
Wilson disease) can cause the body to accumulate copper on exposure. If action
is taken to prevent or remedy this, then this can bring about irreversible
liver, kidney, bone, vision, or central nervous system damage.
Items that
can contain copper (II) hydroxide
As a fungicide, copper (II)
hydroxide has been used on:
Almonds
Apples
Beans
Blackberries
Broccoli
Cantaloupes
Cauliflowers
Eggplants
Lettuce
Mango
Onions
Peaches
Pears
Peppers
Plums
Sugar beets
Walnuts
How to avoid copper (II) hydroxid
Those who
are most at risk of copper (II) hydroxide exposure or contact are those who
play a role in the handling of this material. As such, they should follow a
number of steps and recommendations to minimize exposure:
For storage: Keep copper (II) hydroxide
in its original container and store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
away from foodstuff containers and incompatible materials.
For handling: Avoid drinking,
eating, or smoking while in close proximity to copper (II) hydroxide.
For personal protection: Opt for
chemical-resistant gloves, PVC aprons, and overalls. Avoid wearing contact
lenses as they can absorb this material and concentrate them on the eye. Have
barrier cream and skin-cleansing cream on hand at all times. Ensure that the
immediate work area is equipped with eye wash units and emergency showers in
the event that exposure occurs.
For spillage: Small spills should be
cleaned up immediately using dry clean up procedures to reduce dust generation.
Major spills are moderate hazards that are best cleaned up through the dry or
wet method. Emergency responders should be alerted immediately and given the
location and nature of the spill.
Summary
Exposure or contact with copper (II) hydroxide can
cause a wide array of health problems. For example, ingesting this material can
cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can damage the liver, kidneys, and
gastrointestinal lining. On the other hand, inhaling copper (II) hydroxide can
impair the function of the lungs and aggravate the symptoms of any pre-existing
lung conditions. Moreover, copper (II) hydroxide can irritate or damage the
skin and eyes.
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