Copper sulfate has beneficial uses but it is a toxic substance.
Copper sulfate is a chemical used to control bacterial and fungal diseases of crops. It is also used in irrigation and municipal water treatment systems. It functions as a molluscicide, a substance that repels and kills slugs and snails. Copper sulfate is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Humans will develop symptoms if the skin comes into contact with the chemical, if it gets into the eyes or if it is inhaled.
Toxicity in Humans
Copper sulfate is a strong irritant. Humans show toxic reactions to copper sulfate usually through skin or eye contact and by inhalation of its dust. A dose of 11 mg/kg of copper sulfate is toxic when ingested by humans. Ingestion of the chemical may not always have a toxic effect because copper sulfate automatically induces vomiting. If copper sulfate stays in the stomach, the victim becomes unconscious. The symptoms of poisoning include nausea, diarrhea, headache and injury to vital organs.
Chronic Exposure
Chronic exposure to copper can lead to anemia. A copper sulfate solution used by vineyards caused liver disease after three to 15 years of exposure. Individuals who suffer from Wilson's disease, which causes sensitivity to copper, are more likely to suffer the long-term effects. The growth of rats is retarded when copper sulfate is included in their diet. Copper sulfate dust in the air causes a significant increase in the mortality of mice.
Environmental Hazards
Copper sulfate is soluble in water and therefore should be used with caution around lakes, streams and ponds. The chemical can significantly decrease the population of aquatic life, including plants, fish and invertebrates. The use of copper sulfate causes the depletion of oxygen levels in ponds and lakes. The chemical should not be used to treat more than half of a lake or a pond at one time. It is recommended to allow two weeks between treatments to allow water oxygen levels to recover.
Ecological Impact
Copper sulfate is very toxic to fish. The level of toxicity depends on the type of fish and the chemical contents of the water also play a role. As water hardness increases, the toxicity level decreases. Crab, shrimp, oysters and mussels are particularly vulnerable to copper sulfate. Most animal life in soil will be eliminated with continued use of a copper sulfate solution. Earthworms have disappeared from orchards that use copper sulfate. Copper sulfate disrupts photosynthesis and can kill plants.
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