Risks Associated with Copper Wire

Although copper wire is the most extensively used material in electrical industries, the negative effects and health risks it possesses are also very higher. Copper is a naturally occurring mineral which is very extensive in use today due to its electrical and mechanical properties. With its exceptional features like conduction properties, cheap prices, ductility etc. Copper wire use is on the rise, along with its possible health risks.

Exposure to environment: Copper is constantly being mined due to the rising demand of copper wire from electrical industries. It results in a significant increase of copper in environmental areas. Rivers and bodies of water are prime areas where copper can end up. Wastewater containing copper must be disposed of during the process of turning natural copper into usable copper; therefore, much of this waste ends up in naturally-occurring bodies of water.
Creating usable copper also requires the combustion of fossil fuels, which results in copper being released into the atmosphere. The copper returns to earth after it rains and once again ends up in the ground.

Soil

Copper is dangerous in soil due to its tendency to attach to minerals and organic matter. Its lack of ability to breakdown means that over time it can become prevalent in plants and animals. Far fewer plants can grow in copper-rich soil, creating a change in eco-diversity. Copper has been shown to influence microorganisms found within soil, which results in a much slower decomposition of organic matter.

Farmland suffers significantly due to the copper that is present in fertilizers. Animals that absorb the added concentrations of copper suffer health damage. The negative effects on humans are, as of yet, merely projected, but significant research has not been completed.

Short-Term Exposure

The absorption of copper in extremely small amounts is perfectly normal and humans are even shown to be able to handle larger-sized quantities; however, overexposure to large amounts of copper is shown to result in side effects. Very few people receive overexposure to copper; however, metal fever, a sickness with flu-like symptoms, is caused by copper overexposure.

Long-Term Exposure

Solid studies about long-term copper exposure are rare in number. However, what is known is that continuous copper exposure can result in many conditions. These include constant irritation to the eyes, stomach, nose, and mouth---much like allergies. Exposure to copper-fumes has been shown to alter nasal mucous membranes. Copper poisoning can turn into Wilson's disease, which causes a number of problems, including brain damage, cornea problems, renal disease, and cirrhosis. Copper has been linked to changes in the brain as well. It has been suggested that overexposure to copper can result in lower intelligence in developing youth.