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EXTOXNET PIP - COPPEi�,WULFATE 1-01 Page 2 of 4 triggered by its irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms are severe, however, if copper sulfate is retained in the stomach, as in the unconscious victim. Some of the signs of poisoning which occurred after 1 to 12 g of copper sulfate was swallowed include a metallic taste in the mouth, burning pain in the chest and abdomen, intense nausea, repeated vomiting, diarrhea, headache, sweating, shock, discontinued urination leading to yellowing of the skin. Injury to the brain, liver, kidneys, and stomach and intestinal linings may also occur in copper sulfate poisoning [23]. Copper sulfate can be corrosive to the skin and eyes [8]. It is readily absorbed through the skin and can produce a burning pain, as well as the other symptoms of poisoning resulting from ingestion. Skin contact may result in itching or eczema [8]. It is a skin sensitizer and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals [24]. Eye contact with this material can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, cornea tissue deterioration, and clouding of the cornea [23]. Examination of copper sulfate poisoned animals showed signs of acute toxicity in the spleen, liver, and kidneys [8]. Injury may also occur to the brain, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract in response to overexposure to this material [22]. The oral LD50 of copper is 472 mg/kg in rats [8]. • Chronic toxicity: Vineyard sprayers experienced liver disease after 3 to 15 years of exposure to copper sulfate solution in Bordeaux mixture [8]. Long term effects are more likely in individuals with Wilson's disease, a condition which causes excessive absorption and storage of copper [25]. Chronic exposure to low levels of copper can lead to anemia [8]. The growth of rats was retarded when given dietary doses of 25 mg/kg/day of copper sulfate. Dietary doses of 200 mg/kg/day caused starvation and death [8]. Sheep given oral doses of 20 mg/kg/day showed blood cell and kidney damage [8]. They also showed an absence of appetite, anemia, and degenerative changes [22]. • Reproductive effects: Copper sulfate has been shown to cause reproductive effects in test animals. Testicular atrophy increased in birds as they were fed larger amounts of copper sulfate. Sperm production was also interrupted to varying degrees [8]. Reproduction and fertility was affected in pregnant rats given this material on day 3 of pregnancy [23]. • Teratogenic effects: There is very limited evidence about the teratogenic effects of copper sulfate. Heart disease occurred in the surviving offspring of pregnant hamsters given intravenous copper salts on day 8 of gestation [8]. These data suggest that copper sulfate is unlikely to be teratogenic in humans at expected exposure levels. . Mutagenic effects: Copper sulfate may cause mutagenic effects at high doses. At 400 and 1000 ppm, copper sulfate caused mutations in two types of microorganisms [22]. Such effects are not expected in humans under normal conditions. • Carcinogenic effects: Copper sulfate at 10 mg/kg/day caused endocrine tumors in chickens given the material parenterally, that is, outside of the gastrointestinal tract through an intravenous or intramuscular injection [22]. However, the relevance of these results to mammals, including humans, is not known. • Organ toxicity: Long-term animal studies indicate that the testes and endocrine glands have been affected. • Fate in humans and animals: Absorption of copper sulfate into the blood occurs primarily under the acidic conditions of the stomach. The mucous membrane lining of the intestines acts as a barrier to absorption of ingested copper [8]. After ingestion, more than 99% of copper is excreted in the feces. However, residual copper is an essential trace element that is strongly bioaccumulated [8]. It is stored primarily in the liver, brain, heart, kidney, and muscles. Ecological Effects: s Effects on birds: Copper sulfate is practically nontoxic to birds. It poses less of a threat to birds httn://extoxnet.orst.edu/nips/connersu.htm 912112004