Orthopedics - Oleksa A.P. 2006

Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders
Copper Poisoning

Among copper compounds, the most widely used in industry are copper oxide, copper chloride, copper sulfate (blue vitriol), and copper acetate. In industrial settings, copper compounds can enter The Human Body through the Skin, the mucous membranes of the Upper Respiratory Tract, and the digestive tract. The toxin exhibits pronounced hemolytic and hemoglobinuric effects, and causes hypochromic anemia, ACUTE RENAL FAILURE, and enterocolitis. Both acute and chronic poisonings are possible.

With chronic exposure to copper via the upper respiratory tract, workers quite frequently develop acute respiratory viral infections, tonsillitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, as well as radiculitis and neuralgia. In children and adolescents, typical changes occur in the metaepiphyses of long tubular bones in the form of sclerotic zones resembling the "lead lines" seen in lead poisoning. In severe cases, patients develop osteoarthritis of the major joints and Osteomalacia of the limb bones.

Periodic medical examinations are of great importance and must be conducted semi-annually for workers who come into contact with copper.

Treatment is symptomatic. If signs of copper poisoning appear, an immediate change of employment is required.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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