Copper is widely used due to its excellent electrical conductivity, erosion resistance, and malleability. It is used in electrical wiring, alloys like brass and bronze, rayon production, pigments, and fungicide and algaecide production. Copper influences gene expression and serves as a co-factor for enzymes like cytochrome c oxidase and ALAD. It is absorbed from the intestine and transported to the liver or bound to proteins in mucosal cells, with excess excreted in bile. Toxicity can cause metal fume fever, dermatitis, discoloration of tissues, nausea, vomiting, haemorrhagic gastritis, diarrhoea, haemolytic anaemia,

1. Copper (vimp like lead)
Why Copper is widely used ?
Properties:- 1) Excellent Electrical Conductor 2) Erosion Resistant 3) Malleable
Uses:- 1) Electrical wiring 2) Production of Alloys:- Brass = Cu + Zn, Bronze = Cu + Sn (Tin)
Monel = Cu = Ni, Copper + Beryllium
3) Used in Rayon Production, 4) Pigments production, 5) Fungicide, Algaecide Production
Copper influences specific gene expression & serves as a Co-Factor for several oxidative enzymes
like Cytochrome C Oxidase & ALAD.
Agene on X chromosome control absorption . Another is Xq 13,3 associated with accumulation of
Copper in the body.
Metabolism:- It is absorbed from the intestine by peptides & amino acids & transported to liver or
bound with Metallo-Thionein like proteins within the mucosal cells. Excess Copper is excreted in
the bile, where it is firmly bound to amino acid, which prevents its reabsorption. It can inhibit
SH(Sulph Hydril ) group of enzymes like G6PD & Glutathione Reductase, which are important in
protecting cells from free Oxygene Radicles.
Toxicity:- 1) Metal Fume Fever
2) Dermatitis when in contact with copper dust
3) Very High Exposure may cause a) Greenish discolouration of tongue
b) Greenish discolouration of Hair &
c) Superficial greenish staining of teeth.
4) Copper ingested accidently or deliberately may cause
a) nausea b) Vomiting c) Haemorrhagic gastritis & Diarrhoea
After some hours of gap d) Haemolytic Anaemia. E) Haemolytic Anaemia
5) Grannulomatous lung disorder followed by interstitial fibrosis, seen mainly in
copper sprayers due to inhalation of the copper dust or mist.
6) Granuloma of Liver
7) Wilson’s Disease
Treatment:- Penicillamine given in the same way as it is given in Wilson’s Disease.