Copper Sulfate Toxicity and Its Management

What Is Copper Sulfate?

Sulfur and copper are combined to form the inorganic substance known as copper sulfate. It is frequently used in the leather industry, as a pesticide, and to make homemade glue. It can eradicate fungi, algae, plants, snails, and roots. The amount of copper determines how dangerous copper sulfate is. Minerals like copper are necessary. It can be present in food, water, and the environment. Since 1956, copper sulfate has been authorized for use in pesticide products in the US.

What Are the Benefits of Copper Sulfate?

• Copper sulfate's most significant health advantage is that it is used to prevent the growth of germs and fungi on fruits, vegetables, and other crops.

• This includes mildew, which can result in leaf spots and plant deterioration because copper sulfate binds to the fungus' proteins and damages and kills its cells.

• Additionally utilized to promote public health and safety. In pools, it eliminates germs and algae.

• Athlete's foot is another condition that may be avoided by using this medication. A fungal infection develops between the toes in warm situations like an indoor swimming pool. To stop the germs from being able to dwell on the flooring for an extended period, it is included in the mixes used for the flooring in showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Copper Sulfate Toxicity?

Copper is a trace metal that naturally occurs in plants and animals, but copper sulfate does not, and when ingested, it can irritate. Because copper sulfate predominantly clings to soil sediments, crops and farms are cleansed after treatment, and there is little risk of eating it from a treated crop. If one uses copper sulfate for farming or gardening, one might become exposed to it. Copper sulfate can hurt or burn when absorbed by the skin or eyes. Introducing this to the eyes can cause corneal irritation, eczema, conjunctivitis, inflammation, or fluid accumulation. Due to the considerable gastrointestinal discomfort that copper sulfate induces, it is typically rapidly vomited up, making it only slightly harmful if consumed. The possibility of copper sulfate poisoning exists if someone takes copper sulfate without throwing up. Copper sulfate poisoning symptoms include:

Acute Symptoms

• Experiencing chest or abdominal burning.

• Having a metallic aftertaste.

• Nausea.

• Headaches.

• Diarrhea (which may be colored blue or green due to the coloring of the chemical).

• Excessive perspiration.

Anyone who swallows copper sulfate should visit the emergency room (ER) to rule out poisoning and ensure there has not been any damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, or intestinal lining of the stomach, regardless of whether vomiting has happened or not. High-dose exposure to copper sulfate is relatively uncommon, but in some circumstances, it can result in death if left untreated.

Chronic Symptoms

• Since people can regulate the amount of copper in their systems, the EPA (environment protection agency) has not assigned copper sulfate a cancer rating due to insufficient evidence. Since copper enters the circulation and is mostly accumulated in the liver before being eliminated through stool, this is a typical function. More investigations are required if prolonged exposure to copper sulfate can result in cancer in people and animals..

• One may have a higher risk of liver illness if they are often exposed to copper sulfate from agricultural usage. That is, however, most probable if one already has Wilson's disease, a disorder linked to an abnormal buildup of copper in the body.

How to Manage Copper Sulfate Toxicity?

Dermal

• Use a lot of lukewarm water to rinse. If there has been prolonged or recurrent exposure to damaged skin, take systemic copper absorption into account. Preventing exposure is the most effective treatment for contact sensitivity and irritating dermatitis caused by copper sulfate.

Ocular

• Immediately rinse for at least ten minutes with lukewarm water or, ideally, saline. The topical anesthetic application may be necessary to decontaminate the area and relieve discomfort and blepharospasm (involuntary twitching of eyelid) effectively. Make sure there is no more debris in the conjunctival recesses. Fluorescein injections can be used to identify corneal injury. Seek an ophthalmological opinion if symptoms do not go away quickly or if there are unusual examination results.

Ingestion

• Copper sulfate is a strong emetic, and the lack of spontaneous vomiting shows that the amount consumed was minor and just supportive care is needed.

• Due to the corrosive nature of copper sulfate, gastric lavage is not advised.

• If done right away, oral dilution could be of some use, but fluids should not be given for insufficient airway protection or excruciating abdomen discomfort.

• It is crucial to take supportive action. Make careful to restore lost fluids adequately, and keep a close eye on the vitals, especially the heart.

• Track acid-base status, biochemical, and histopathological profiles.

• Conventional treatments are used to treat intravascular hemolysis and renal failure.

• Early endoscopy is advised if corrosive esophageal or stomach damage is suspected. If endoscopy reveals gastrointestinal symptoms, signs, deep ulcers, and regions of necrosis (grade III burns), prompt surgical advice should be sought.

• Although whole blood copper contents and the degree of poisoning have a good correlation, they should always be evaluated in light of clinical characteristics.

• Patients with copper poisoning who have not experienced acute renal failure have higher urine copper excretion levels. The measures of 24-hour urine copper excretions are primarily used to track the results of chelation treatment. Talk about an NPIS (national provider identifier standard) doctor.

• Only individuals with acute renal failure are eligible for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Inhalation

• If there are signs of respiratory distress, remove them from exposure and give supplementary oxygen using a face mask. If the results of the respiratory examination reveal any abnormalities, a chest X-ray will be scheduled.

• The liver and the lungs may develop granulomas due to long-term occupational exposure to copper sulfate mists. Lung function tests and a chest X-ray are part of the first evaluation. Ask an NPIS (National Provider Identifier Standard) doctor for expert guidance.

Conclusion

Copper sulfate poisoning is an uncommon kind of poisoning. However, professionals must be knowledgeable about the care of such patients, given the difficulties and high fatality rates. In addition, the negative effects of poisoning cause damage to the blood, kidneys, liver, and upper digestive system.