Uses of copperCopper is an essential element for all living organisms, hence small amounts are needed in the body. Due to the heat and electrical conductivity of...How copper gets into the environmentCopper can be released into the environment from natural sources such as volcanoes, forest fires, dust and rotting vegetation. It can also enter th...Exposure to copperAs copper is naturally present in the environment, sources of exposure include breathing air, dust, supplements, and soil. The general population i...How exposure to copper can affect your healthThe presence of copper in the environment does not always lead to exposure. For it to cause any adverse health effects, you must come into contact...Copper and cancerThere is very limited data available on whether copper can cause cancer in humans. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions.Vulnerable peopleIndividuals suffering from the rare condition Wilson’s disease are likely to be more susceptible to copper toxicity. Copper builds up in the liver...Pregnancy and the unborn childThere is limited data available on the effects of copper during pregnancy and whether it causes harm to the unborn child. Therefore, it is not poss...ChildrenExposure to high levels of copper will result in the same effects in both adults and children. Effects may be more severe in children.What to do if you are exposed to copperIt is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of copper high enough to cause adverse health effects. Low-level exposur...Additional informationNHS.UK has more information on poisoning.Commission on Toxicity (COT): statement on copper.The information contained in this document from the UK H... Density lb/cu in. at 68°F: 0.306 [PDF] [PDF]