Copper poisoning

Copper - a metal located in the periodic table at number 29, is a mineral component necessary for the normal functioning of the human body. An insufficient intake of copper in the body leads to disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, a decrease in bone density and joint diseases, iron deficiency anemia, depigmentation of the skin and hair, and dysfunction of the immune system. Excessive intake of it causes copper poisoning.

Copper and its compounds can enter the body's systems through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and be absorbed through the skin. Poisoning can be acute or chronic. [1]

Causes copper poisoning

A daily intake of two to three milligrams of copper with food is considered safe for an adult. It is found in many foods: organ meats, cocoa, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, many fruits and vegetables, even in plain water. Environmentally friendly products can be eaten safely without fear of poisoning, while contaminated products can cause intoxication of any severity. But here we will already talk about poisoning with pesticides, and food is just a way of delivering them. For example, copper sulfate or copper sulphate is used by gardeners and in mass agricultural production for plant nutrition, and fight against mold and insect pests. Fungicides known to summer residents are Bordeaux and Burgundy mixtures, agents with copper oxychloride. If you use them according to the instructions, trouble will not happen. And its violation can have serious consequences, including death. A high concentration of copper can be in the liver of animals and birds if they drank contaminated water or ate oversaturated feed. It is impossible to get poisoned with copper, simply by eating products containing it, we simply cannot eat so much, for example, 3.5 kg of spinach in one sitting. [2]

A toxic concentration of copper and its compounds can form in food if copper utensils are used improperly, it quickly oxidizes, especially in a humid environment, with the formation of a patina (greenish coating). Interaction with food acids during heating in such cookware contributes to the fact that cooked food becomes toxic. Copper dishes are not suitable for long-term storage of cooked food.

Copper is used in medicine, official and folk: as a vital microelement, it is contained in vitamin-mineral complexes and dietary supplements, it is part of antiseptics and astringent external agents, copper wire in the intrauterine device inhibits sperm activity and prevents conception. Medicines containing copper must be used strictly adhering to the recommended doses and duration of treatment. [3]

Copper tubing is available in hemodialysis equipment. Therefore, patients requiring frequent procedures are at risk of developing intravenous copper toxicity syndrome.

Copper and its compounds are widely used in various industries. Occupational hazard is associated with production, metalworking and welding of non-ferrous metals, chemical, paint and varnish, woodworking industries, construction and agricultural work.

Risk factors

The main risk factors for copper poisoning are violations of the rules for the use of substances containing it and personal safety when working with them:

• overdose with vitamins, dietary supplements and external agents; violation of the duration of the course of treatment, the timing of the installation of the IUD, etc.;
• careless attitude to agricultural pesticides based on copper sulfate in everyday life: storing them in unmarked containers, which can lead to accidental ingestion and acute poisoning; neglect of safety measures (processing must be carried out with gloves and a respirator), the recommended recipes for preparing the solution and the timing of spraying (at least two weeks before the expected harvest);
• disregard for the prescribed safety rules at work. [4]

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of copper poisoning is associated with its physiological effect on the body. It plays an important role in the metabolic process, since it is part of most enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of proteins and carbohydrates. When the body is oversaturated with copper and its compounds, an excess of free copper ions appears, which react with amine nitrogen and the SH group of proteins to form stable insoluble compounds, due to which enzyme formation in the body decreases and important enzymes are inactivated, for example, cytochrome oxidase, a catalyst for the final stage of cellular breathing, which leads to tissue hypoxia; the synthesis of the ceruloplasmin protein is reduced, which leads to a disruption in the oxidation of polyamines in the blood plasma; the synthesis of collagen and elastin decreases, which affects the strength of the walls of blood vessels, articular cartilage, tendons and skin condition. [5]

The direct oxidizing effect of free copper ions on the erythrocyte membrane in excess of it leads to their destruction and pathological hemolysis. This is the most common complication of copper poisoning. It develops very quickly - first, methemoglobinemia (an increased content of oxidized hemoglobin, leading to tissue hypoxia), then pathological hemolysis.

The greatest amount of copper in case of poisoning comes from the digestive tract to the liver, its parenchyma is damaged, jaundice and other manifestations of hepatotoxicity develop. [6]

The consequence of massive intravascular hemolysis can be renal and respiratory failure. Free copper ions circulating in the body in large quantities can have a direct damaging effect on vascular cells and cardiomyocytes. In the most severe cases, sepsis, hypotension and shock can begin. 

Fatal poisoning with copper and its compounds is rare, and they are mainly associated with the intentional ingestion of, for example, a large amount of a solution of copper sulfate for the purpose of suicide. Accidental ingestion of even a significant amount of a toxic substance rarely causes fatal poisoning, because, as experts explain, the effect of copper salts on the gastric mucosa immediately causes reflex vomiting, with which most of the absorbed toxic substance is eliminated. In addition, copper causes blood clots in the digestive tract mucosa, which also prevents the absorption of the poison. Chronic, but not fatal poisoning develops more often in persons whose professions are associated with constant contact with substances containing copper and its compounds. The statistics of poisoning suggests that the greatest number of copper intoxication of varying severity is characteristic of regions with developed viticulture. [7]

Symptoms copper poisoning

In acute poisoning with copper and its compounds, symptoms appear after several hours. The severity and speed of manifestations of intoxication depends on the amount of toxic substances that have entered the body. Different routes of penetration have their own specific characteristics, but the general, indicating poisoning with copper compounds, is a complex of the following symptoms: muscle and abdominal pain, nausea (vomiting), loose stools, acidosis, acute inflammation of the pancreas, methemoglobinuria and pathological hemolysis.

The most dangerous is the ingestion of large quantities of copper compounds into the gastrointestinal tract. A conditional lethal dose in this case is considered to be the intake of 0.15 to 0.3 g of copper sulfate per kilogram of the victim's weight. The first signs are manifested by irritation of the gastric mucosa: pain and vomiting. Poisoning with copper salts, especially copper sulfate, gives the vomit a bluish tint. But this is not a specific sign, since their color can be in case of poisoning with boric acid, methylene blue, food dyes. 

At a high concentration of the toxic substance, gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation may develop. In addition, patients often complain of chest pains and a sweet metallic taste in the mouth.

From the digestive tract, copper enters the liver, so the next symptoms are signs of liver damage. Outwardly - jaundice spreads. Simultaneously with liver damage, symptoms of hemolysis appear. [8]

Not every symptom is assessed separately, but the whole complex. Poisoning with copper preparations, food prepared and / or left for storage in copper dishes, contaminated agricultural products, accidental or deliberate ingestion of copper sulfate is manifested by irritation of the digestive tract with symptoms of dyspepsia, followed by an increase in hepatic-renal failure and damage to other organs.

Clinical manifestations increase rapidly in approximately the following order: simultaneously with nausea and paroxysmal abdominal pain, the patient feels a sweetish metallic taste in the oral cavity, there may be a burning sensation in the mouth and in the esophagus, especially if their mucous membranes are in direct contact with a powder or solution of copper compounds, thirst is characteristic and hypersalivation, nausea is quickly resolved by vomiting that has a bluish or greenish tinge. When toxic masses reach the intestines, flatulence and diarrhea join. Feces may also be bluish and blood-streaked. Signs of hepatotoxic and hemotoxic action appear quite quickly - the sclera of the eyes, the skin turn yellow, it covers the tongue, blood pressure drops, nausea and vomiting increase, muscle and joint pain appears, and in severe cases a high temperature rises. All this develops against the background of symptoms of general intoxication: pallor, increasing weakness, dizziness, headache, fever. Renal failure is manifested by dysuric disorders, acute urinary retention may develop. 

Further, the patient's position may be aggravated by respiratory failure, heart failure, hypotension, sepsis, up to the development of toxic shock. With timely assistance, the patient in the clinical picture may not have all the symptoms.

Inhalation poisoning is usually easier. Since the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs are in contact with the powder or aerosol form of copper compounds, the patient feels the first signs as burning and dryness of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, they turn red, there is a burning sensation under the eyelids, hyperemia, lacrimation, blurred vision). The throat is constantly tickling, "twists" in the nose, I want to sneeze and cough. The victim “does not have enough air” up to suffocation, he has severe shortness of breath, a hoarse voice, problems with swallowing. Symptoms develop against a background of increasing weakness, severe fever, sweating, headache, joint and muscle pain. A variant of inhalation poisoning is the development of the so-called foundry fever. The symptoms are the same, but more pronounced: choking, hacking cough, fever up to hyperpyretic values, accompanied by chills and severe sweating. Against the background of intoxication, clouding of consciousness develops with delusional hallucinatory syndrome up to fainting. After the temperature has dropped, respiratory and sometimes psychotic symptoms persist. Foundry fever usually resolves on its own in a few days.

Copper oxychloride is considered to be an easier to use and less toxic pesticide than other compounds of this metal. Poisoning with copper chloroxide when it enters the respiratory tract or the digestive tract is clinically manifested as copper intoxication, usually proceeds in a milder form. If the substance gets on unprotected skin, then its inflammation, eczematous lesion may begin.
Copper poisoning through the skin is more common for copper sulfate, since it is able to penetrate into the body from intact skin due to sweat reabsorption. In addition, copper is an antiseptic and astringent and is used to treat, for example, burns. The absorption is more intensive through the damaged skin. After repeated application of the ointment containing copper, the patients showed symptoms of chronic intoxication and local darkening of the skin.

When small excess doses enter the body for a long time, chronic copper poisoning occurs. In this case, the symptomatology increases slowly and gradually. Chronic fatigue, periodic attacks of nausea and dizziness appear, appetite is disturbed, occasionally there may be vomiting and loose stools. The sclera of the eyes, the skin and mucous membranes acquire a yellowish tint, the hair of blondes acquires a greenish tint (by the way, this effect is also observed in swimmers, since the water in the pools is disinfected by means containing copper). A red border may appear on the mucous membrane of the gums, the teeth begin to deteriorate more, foci of irritation from hyperemia and rash to eczematous spots appear on the skin. Symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, liver and kidney dysfunction, endocrinological disorders may appear, the body's defenses decrease, the psychological state changes, neurological problems appear, hematopoiesis is disturbed - laboratory tests show deviations from the norm of almost all blood parameters (pancytopenia). [9]

In terms of severity, it stands out:

• mild poisoning - manifested by digestive disorders that self-limited in the next few hours, symptoms of burns of the mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx after oral ingestion, nose, eyes and upper respiratory tract - with inhalation, minor nephropathy;
• moderate poisoning - characterized by more pronounced disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, bleeding from the esophagus and / or stomach may develop, the duration of which takes about 24 hours, is complicated by the development of moderate nephro- and hepatopathy;
• severe - severe symptoms of gastrointestinal tract disorders persist for several days and are complicated by bleeding, which can be fatal, like decompensated exotoxic shock, hemolysis is characterized by a high (up to 600 g / l) serum content of free hemoglobin and a duration from two to six days, in addition, there is the development of anemia, hepato- and nephropathy (early stage of the toxicogenic phase) and severe acute combined renal-hepatic failure, the appearance of which indicates the onset of a late stage of the toxicogenic phase of poisoning.

If the patient has frequent vomiting and diarrhea with signs of increasing dehydration, and even more so when blood impurities are visible in the vomit and / or feces, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance. Emergency medical assistance is needed if the victim has a high fever (body temperature reaches pyretic values and higher), symptoms of "acute abdomen", impaired respiratory, excretory and swallowing functions. [10]

Complications and consequences

Acute copper poisoning can end in different ways: from a completely successful recovery in mild cases with a one-time situation to a fatal outcome. The consequences directly depend on the dose of the poisonous substance received, oral intake of 10 to 20 g of copper sulfate usually ends in the death of the victim, even if assistance is provided on time. It occurs by the end of the week right during hemodialysis. But, nevertheless, not all. A high concentration of copper does not always determine the outcome of poisoning. Much depends on the patient's age, the general state of his health, and the individual characteristics of the organism. It is necessary to fight for survival in any case, since it is difficult to predict the outcome of poisoning, even severe, as practice shows. But in any case, timely assistance increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Complications of acute poisoning can be:

• DIC syndrome;

• perforation and bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract;
• violation of water and electrolyte balance, dehydration;
• toxic nephropathy, acute renal failure;
• toxic hepatopathy followed by encephalopathy;
• violation of hematopoiesis, blood circulation, tissue hypoxia, necrotic changes in organs;
• disorders of the respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous systems;
• sepsis, toxic shock;
• death due to severe complications from the vital systems of the body.

Chronic poisoning does not have a pronounced clinical picture. Its consequences grow slowly and lead to the development of degenerative-dystrophic changes in various organs, developing into deadly diseases. The liver and kidneys are most often affected. Cases of childhood cirrhosis of the liver are quite common in developing countries. It occurs as a result of chronic water poisoning, which is stored in copper containers previously used to store milk. [11]

In countries with developed viticulture, those working in this industry often have pneumosclerosis ("vineyard spray disease"). Also, a consequence of chronic poisoning with copper compounds is small-nodular cirrhosis of the liver, hepatic hemangiosarcoma, lung adenocarcinoma, which suggests the oncogenicity of long-term exposure to copper compounds. There are renal failure, lesions of the central nervous system, and very diverse from limb tremors to epileptiform seizures, vascular disorders, ulcers and erosion on the mucous membranes of organs in contact with dust and fumes, in particular, lesions of the cornea, conjunctiva and other structures of the eye are known. Prolonged exposure to excessive amounts of copper and its compounds inhibits the processes of hematopoiesis, and pancytopenia develops. And the quality of blood affects the functioning of all body systems.

Against the background of chronic poisoning with small doses of copper and its compounds, a paradoxical metabolic disorder can occur: free ions begin to be deposited in the tissues of various organs - liver, kidneys, iris, causing local intoxication in them, while in the body as a whole there is a deficiency of this element and associated with her violations.

Diagnostics copper poisoning

Poisoning with copper and its compounds is diagnosed on the basis of the patient's condition and data that he has been in contact with these chemicals. [12]

Plasma or whole blood copper concentration tests can support the assumption. Be sure to conduct a laboratory study of the serum level of direct and indirect bilirubin, the level of free hemoglobin (by photoelectrocolorimetry), plasma electrolytes, the activity of liver enzymes, measure the prothrombin time and assess the water balance. Clinical urine and blood tests are done to assess overall health. [13]

If necessary, instrumental diagnostics are prescribed: ultrasound of the liver and kidneys, fibrogastroscopy, X-ray and other studies.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is carried out with poisoning with other substances, acute gastrointestinal diseases, liver and kidney pathologies of non-toxic origin. [14]

Treatment copper poisoning

At home, you can provide assistance to the victim, which will reduce the strength of the irritating factor. In case of inhalation of dust or vapors of copper and its compounds, wash the affected mucous membranes of the eyes under running water, rinse the nose, rinse the throat. Drinking plenty of fluids in combination with taking diuretics is recommended. This tactic speeds up the detoxification of the body.

If the substance comes into contact with the skin, wash the contact area several times with clean water. 

At the first signs of poisoning by ingestion of a toxic substance - digestive disorders, they provide assistance, which is usual for cases of poisoning. If copper and its compounds are ingested by the oral route, gastric lavage is performed to clean wash water and enterosorbents are given. Although in most cases, the patient already has severe vomiting, so they give him plenty of water to drink to replenish the fluid loss. Milk, sour and fatty drinks should not be given. [15]

The victim is provided with peace: they put him to bed in a well-ventilated room, cover the warmth if he suffers from chills, put a cool damp napkin on his forehead in case of heat. If there are traces of blood in the vomit, you can put an ice pack on your stomach. [16]

Further actions are carried out under the supervision of medical personnel. In case of mild poisoning, the patient can be left at home, in other cases he is hospitalized. The need for hospitalization should be decided by the doctor.

In a medical institution, the patient is prescribed detoxification and supportive therapy individually based on the prevailing symptoms and examination. Removal of copper compounds from the digestive tract - probe lavage is rarely performed, since indomitable vomiting develops in the vast majority of patients poisoned with this substance. But if necessary, washing with a probe can also be applied with the introduction through it at the beginning and at the end of the procedures of the complexing agent unitiol (from 50 to 100 mg). [17]

To cleanse the intestines, a laxative is prescribed, in case of poisoning with copper and its compounds, preparations based on fats, such as castor oil or liquid paraffin, are avoided.

But more often, before prescribing complexing agents, the victim is stopped vomiting, correcting the basic physiological parameters and normalizing the water-electrolyte balance.

Complexing agents (substances that bind toxic substances) are prescribed for severe symptoms of hepatotoxicity, hematopoiesis disorders and severe poisoning. Their action has not been sufficiently studied, therefore, agents that are effective in Wilson-Konovalov's disease are chosen. If the patient no longer has indomitable vomiting, an established allergy to penicillin, and he is able to swallow, then penicillamine is preferred as a more effective remedy. The drug is taken orally, on average, the recommended daily dose is from 1 to 1.5 g. It is also used for chronic copper poisoning, in particular, for childhood cirrhosis. The purpose of taking penicillamine is to prevent the development of hemolysis. However, the drug is taken in a short course, since it can also cause the opposite effects: anemia, pancytopenia, impaired respiratory function and urinary excretion. [18]

However, dimercaprol is used much more often. Its effectiveness is lower than that of the previous drug, but most of the victims vomit violently, so dimercaprol, which can be administered parenterally (intramuscularly), has an undeniable advantage. In cases of severe poisoning, dimercaprol and penicillamine are prescribed simultaneously or one after the other.

Information about extracorporeal methods of detoxification is ambiguous, but hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are used in the early period of the toxicogenic phase (on the first or third day). Hemodialysis is especially effective in the first 12 hours after poisoning. The duration of the procedure is from six to eight hours, if necessary, repeat it.

Peritoneal dialysis is less effective. It is used in cases where hemodialysis is contraindicated for the victim or with prolonged circulation of a toxic substance in the patient's blood. In the second case, hemodialysis alone is not enough and is combined with peritoneal.

The patient is withdrawn from the state of exotoxic shock according to the standard protocol. Narcotic analgesics, glucocorticosteroid and antispasmodic drugs are used against the background of massive infusion treatment.

Signs of acute hemolysis are well controlled by plasmaphoresis, it is started immediately after the patient is removed from the state of shock. Symptomatic treatment of complications is also carried out: burns of mucous membranes, toxic nephropathy (in severe cases, renal replacement therapy is performed until the symptoms of hemolysis in plasma and urine completely disappear) and toxic liver dystrophy.

Treatment is symptomatic, various medications and vitamins are used, depending on the complications of poisoning, and physiotherapy is prescribed to restore the impaired functions.

Alternative treatment

Mild copper poisoning can only be treated with alternative medicine if the doctor, after examining the patient, finds it possible to leave him at home. Provision of first aid: gastric lavage with a solution of potassium permanganate or saline, the use of activated carbon to prepare an absorbent suspension (one tablet per 10 kg of the victim's weight), cold compresses on the head, wrapping can also be attributed to alternative treatment.

Ginger or green tea has detoxifying properties (you can drink green tea with ginger and lemon). You can stop vomiting and diarrhea with the help of rice water, for which the washed round rice is boiled for 10-15 minutes in a large amount of water (about 1: 5), filtered and the resulting liquid is taken three times a day, half a glass. Or prepare a decoction of calamus root and ginger: pour half a teaspoon of chopped roots with a glass of boiling water and boil for a couple of minutes, strain. Drink half a glass three to four times a day. It is useful to add honey as a sweetener to tea. It itself is a storehouse of mineral components, its presence helps to normalize the electrolyte balance, in particular, to optimize the concentration of sodium and potassium, which is necessary to restore the kidneys' ability to excrete fluid and cleanse the blood of toxic substances.

Alternative recipes can be used in the recovery period to normalize the disturbed functions of body systems.

The normalization of kidney function is facilitated by kelp or seaweed. Every day for therapeutic purposes, you need to consume 100 g of this alga. It contains alginates - natural sorbents that bind and eliminate toxins from the body, sterols - which prevent blood clots, pectins, normalizing the functions of the digestive system, antioxidants, B vitamins, necessary for normal blood formation. There is a lot of iodine in seaweed, which is why its main contraindication is hyperthyroidism; you should not abuse it for people with thrombocytopenia, as well as with acute nephritis.

It is possible to improve the work of the gastrointestinal tract, restore mucous membranes and skin, stop inflammatory processes in the oral cavity and, in general, increase the body's resistance using a decoction of bird cherry berries. It is prepared as follows: 20 berries are thrown into 200 ml of boiling water and boiled for 20 minutes, allowed to cool to about a warm state, filtered and taken in half a glass three times a day. Before use, bird cherry berries must be pitted, they contain hydrocyanic acid, therefore, the recommended doses must be strictly observed. You should not resort to taking a decoction of bird cherry berries with severe anemia, people suffering from migraines and / or constipation, as well as diabetes.

Sea buckthorn berries are considered one of the most beneficial for the human body. You can eat them raw or grated with honey or sugar, drink sea buckthorn juice, make an infusion and decoction. In the recovery period, you can use sea buckthorn oil, externally and internally. It heals well damaged mucous membranes and skin, treats gastritis and ulcers. Simply by eating a few sea buckthorn berries a day, a person saturates his body with a complex of essential vitamins, stabilizes the state of the central nervous system, respiratory function, and gets rid of constipation.

A decoction of sea buckthorn with honey can remove the hoarseness of the voice. To do this, 120g of berries must be boiled in a liter of water for several minutes, allowed to cool, strain, add 130g of liquid honey and 35g of high-quality cognac to the broth. Mix well, let it brew and in an hour the medicine is ready. Take 30 ml every 1.5 hours.

With chronic renal failure, it is recommended to drink whole pomegranate juice, which also changes the blood composition for the better. You can also make an infusion of pomegranate peel. For this, a teaspoon of washed, dried and chopped peel is poured with a glass of boiling water for two hours. The filtered infusion is taken three times a day in a tablespoon.

Damaged hepatocytes can be repaired with turmeric. A drink is prepared with this spice: a teaspoon of honey and about a quarter of the same measure of turmeric are dissolved in a glass of warm water, stirred and drunk.

Herbal treatment has been around for a long time and can indeed help restore impaired organ function. Medicinal plants contain a whole range of vitamins, minerals, phytohormones, organic acids and other essential components, affecting almost the entire body. It is necessary to adhere to the recipes for preparation, the recommended duration of the course of admission, familiarize yourself with the contraindications. Do not forget that any alternative remedy can cause an allergic reaction.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic treatment of poisoning begins with the provision of standard first aid: removal of a toxic substance from the body, neutralization of absorbed toxins and treatment of complications after poisoning. They remove poisons from the gastrointestinal tract by the same methods - induce vomiting, give a laxative, give an enema. Symptomatic agents are used to support the activity of basic vital functions.

Considering that in case of acute poisoning, in general, emergency detoxification and resuscitation measures are required with the use of modern equipment, then you should entrust your life to official medicine. During the rehabilitation period, homeopathy can help restore organ function. But a doctor who is familiar with the principles of action of homeopathic medicines should prescribe the treatment.

In case of copper poisoning, the digestive organs, liver and kidneys are primarily affected, the composition of the blood changes, and the strength of the vessels is disturbed. You can carry out a comprehensive detoxification of the body by including multicomponent homeopathic preparations in the treatment regimen:

• regulator of tissue metabolism Coenzyme Compositum, which affects the course of redox reactions and activates detoxification processes, relieves retoxic disorders in all organs and systems;
• stabilizer of tissue respiration Ubiquinone Compositum, eliminating the prerequisites for the development of hypoxia and stopping its consequences;
• Leptandra Compositum, Hepel, restoring the normal functioning of the digestive system;
• Berberis Gommakord, which normalizes the functions of the liver, kidneys and blood vessels, impaired due to metabolic disorders;
• Gepar Compositum is a multicomponent drug that stimulates the restoration of the detoxification function of the hepatobiliary system, normalizes the work of the digestive (elimination of diarrhea, vomiting, dyskinesia) and urinary organs, the lymphatic system, a catalyst for redox reactions, due to which the integument of the skin and mucous membranes is cleared, blood circulation is activated and general condition of the body;
• Populus compositum, indications for the use of which are nephropathies, disorders of the urinary tract. Other drugs in this series may also be prescribed.

Classical homeopathy for the treatment of hepatopathy most often uses: Carduus marianus (Ratoropia spotted), Chelidonium (celandine large), Sepia (contents of a bag of black cuttlefish), Sulfur (Sulfur), Taraxacum (Dandelion).

For the treatment of intoxication nephropathy, Aurum muriaticum (gold chloride), Lachesis (snake venom), Opium (Poppy), Plumbum (Lead) can be symptomatically prescribed.

Lycopodium is also used as one of the main drainage agents that normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver.

Other drugs may be prescribed depending on the prevailing symptoms and the patient's constitution.

Prevention

Copper poisoning in most cases occurs through negligence or ignorance of the rules for handling hazardous substances. To avoid it, you must adhere to simple recommendations:

• use personal protective equipment (gloves, respirator, goggles) when working with substances containing copper, at home and at work;
• do not work with them near food products;
• do not touch your face and mucous membranes with contaminated hands, do not rub your eyes;
• carefully clean the workplace from spilled particles, dust and shavings;
• do not store substances containing copper in containers without identification marks, as well as in public places;
• adhere to the timing and dosage specified in the instructions when treating plants with chemicals containing copper;
• it is not recommended to drink, eat and smoke during spraying;
• observe the rules of cooking in copper dishes, do not store cooked food in it, properly care for it.

Forecast

Copper poisoning, depending on the absorbed dose of a toxic substance, can end in different ways: from a completely safe recovery to the death of the victim. The outcome also depends on the patient's age, general state of health, individual characteristics of the organism. Timely assistance in acute poisoning, as well as elimination of the source and detoxification measures at the first signs of chronic poisoning, is of great prognostic value.