Copper, occupational exposure

Several studies of occupational exposures and one study with a human subject were located. In the occupational exposures (summarized in Table 5- 3), neurological symptoms consistent with cyanide intoxication were demonstrated, but the likelihood of concomitant exposure to other chemicals could not be ruled out. For example, cleaners and cutting oils, as well as sodium and copper cyanide, may be present in electroplating operations (ATSDR 1997). The experimental human study involved the exposure of a single subject and a dog to a high concentration for a short exposure period. 

Tn recent years there has been an increased interest in assessing the human health effects from environmental exposure to trace metals. Studies of occupational exposures and dietary intakes of trace metals have required the refinement and development of analytical techniques for the analyses of low elemental concentrations in complex matrices. Molybdenum is one of the trace metals that has been the subject of intensive study because it is an essential trace element in both plant and animal nutrition. It is an integral constituent of several metalloenzymes including xanthine oxidase, which is the last enzyme in the catabolic pathway of purines. Extensive ingestion of molybdenum has been shown to cause molybdenosis in cattle. Many of the features of this condition can be ascribed to induced copper deficiency. Whether biochemical changes or adverse health effects in humans can be attributed to excessive exposure to molybdenum is not known. 

Fly ash from municipal waste and industrial waste incinerators contains polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), including tetrachlorodibenzo-/j-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), which are lipophiles, and heavy metals, including chromium, copper, manganese, vanadium, and lead, which are hydrophilesJ29-31 These chemicals have multiple toxicities and are known to impact the human liver, immune system, respiratory system, thyroid, male reproductive function, and CNS J32 34l Several are human carcinogensJ32 35 Enhanced toxic effects are observed in the mixtures of some of theseJ21,22 36 The mixtures of toxicants present in fly ash are complex and the mechanisms for their action on the human body are largely unknown. It is known that occupational exposure to fly... 

Gorell et al. (1999) noted a high Odds Ratio (OR) of 10.51 for the development of Parkinson s disease in individuals older than 50 who were occupationally exposed to manganese for greater than 20 years, but not for those exposed for fewer than 20 years. However, the numbers of individuals with a >20 year exposure was rather small (4), and occupational exposures to other metals (copper, and lead-iron, lead-copper, and iron-copper combinations) for greater than 20 years were also associated with increased risk for the disease. 

Gorell JM, Johnson CC, Rybicki BA, et al. 1999. Occupational exposure to manganese, copper, lead, iron, mercury, and zinc and the risk of Parkinson s Disease. Neurotoxicology 20 239-248. 

Arsenic is one of the most important global environmental toxicants (Gebel 2000). Inorganic arsenic is a potent human carcinogen, and it has long been known that occupational exposure (e.g., in copper smelters) increases the risk for lung cancer (lARC... 

C. Chronic exposure to Bordeaux mixture (copper sulfate with hydrated lime) may occur in vineyard workers. Pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, cirrhosis, angiosarcoma, and portal hypertension have been associated with this occupational exposure. 

Cadmium is a bivalent metal that is used as an anticorrosive and, in association with nickel, copper and silver, in the production of conducting alloys. One of its salts (cadmium sulfide) is used as a colorant for paints and rubber cadmium acetate is used in the production of craftware. There are reports in the literature of cadmium granulomas with a sarcoid-like appearance. Occupational exposure to rare metals has been well reviewed recently (McFadden et al. 1989 Kusaka 1993). The histopathological diagnosis is... 

Alopecia from thallium is no longer an occupational problem. Cases of accidental discoloration of hair (copper, cobalt, and silver) and nails (mercury, lead, silver and chromium) by occupational exposure are nowadays rarely seen at outpatient clinics. Green hair from copper exposure is mainly non-occupational. 

Opportunities for direct contact with copper are minimal in the general population. Occupational exposure is possible, particularly in the electrical equipment manufacturing industry. Dermal exposure to copper may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. 

Lee-Eeldstein A Cumulative exposure to arsenic and its relationship to respiratory cancer among copper smelter employees, f Occup Med 28 296-302, 1986... 

Cohen SR A review of the health hazards from copper exposure. J Occup Med 16 621-624, 1974... 

Federspiel C, Layne JT, Auer C, et al Lung function among employees of a copper mine smelter Lack of effect of chronic sulfur dioxide exposure. J Occup Med 22 438 144, 1980... 

Occupations and exposure to lead The following occupations can expose workers to lead ammunition manufacturers (guns and bullets), auto body repairs, auto radiator repair shops, battery workers, brass/copper foundries, bridge and highway construction, cable makers, gas stations, glass manufacturers. 

N-acetyl-p-D-glucosaminidase (Figure 4). No significant correlation was evident for other renal parameters U-albumin, U-orosomucoid, U-p2-microglobulin, U-copper, S-creatinine, and S-p2-microglobulin. Studies on chlor-alkali workers in Scandinavia [122-124] have reported minimal and apparently reversible renal effects from mercury exposures in this occupational group as evaluated by urinary excrebon of NAG, albumin and titers of autoantibodies. These investigators noted that a small number of susceptible individuals may exist and that selenium status appears to have a major effect on urinary NAG excretion [124]. 

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