Copper has always been considered an essential element for maintaining human health, as the body requires copper to promote bone growth, nerve conduction, hormone secretion, and more. The European Copper Institute points out that copper may have positive effects on blood vessels, heart, and immune system, and copper deficiency may actually lead to different health problems.
Scientific research has discovered various forms of copper, including copper sulfate. It is also one of the various types of copper added to copper supplements in the current market, including copper oxide, copper gluconate, and copper amino acid chelates.
However, upon closer examination, it will be found that copper sulfate is not a substance that you are willing to bring close to your body. Further read this article to understand what copper sulfate is, its uses, and potential side effects it may cause.
What is copper sulfate?
Copper sulfate is an inorganic compound formed by the combination of sulfur and copper elements. This substance is mainly used as a pesticide in agricultural or non-agricultural practices to help eliminate bacteria, algae, roots, plants, snails, and fungi. This is because copper can bind to proteins in fungi and algae, damaging cells, leading to cell leakage and death. In mollusks such as snails, copper often disrupts the normal function of skin cells and enzymes.
If copper sulfate comes into contact with the skin, is accidentally inhaled, or accidentally ingested due to consuming or drinking products containing this substance, you may come into contact with copper sulfate. One way to come into contact with copper sulfate is to eat or smoke without washing your hands. Once copper sulfate is inhaled or ingested, it quickly enters the bloodstream, moves throughout the body, binds with proteins, and enters different organs.
As mentioned earlier, some copper supplements contain copper sulfate. But you should be wary of this type of supplement, as the inorganic copper they use is equivalent to more toxic copper from corroded pipes (which will eventually enter your water). Supplements containing inorganic copper like this have no benefits for your body and you must avoid them.
The use of copper sulfate
In both agricultural and non-agricultural fields, the functions of copper sulfate include:
Algae remover (prevents algae growth)
Bactericidal agent
Fungicide
Molluscicides (substances that can kill mollusks)
Root removing agent
Copper sulfate is also used in industrial applications, especially in textiles, leather, wood, batteries, ink, petroleum, paint, and metals.
According to the National Pesticide Information Center in the United States, copper sulfate can be used as a desiccant (especially anhydrous copper sulfate), as an additive in fertilizers and food, and as an animal nutritional supplement. Copper sulfate can also be used as an emetic, causing nausea and vomiting, and as an antidote for phosphorus poisoning.
Cautious side effects of copper sulfate
Copper sulfate may irritate the skin and eyes as this substance may be corrosive to these areas. This compound can also be directly absorbed through the skin, causing burning pain. Other potential effects of copper sulfate on the skin include allergic reactions (as it is considered a skin allergen), as well as itching or eczema. On the other hand, if copper sulfate comes into contact with the eyeball, it may cause the following effects:
conjunctivitis
Inflammation of eyelid lining
Excessive accumulation of fluid in the eyelids
Corneal tissue deterioration caused by rupture or ulceration of the ocular mucosa
Corneal opacity
Consuming large amounts of copper sulfate may cause nausea, vomiting, and damage to body tissues, blood cells, liver, and kidneys.
Copper sulfate has many uses, but it cannot be used to improve health
The main use of copper sulfate is as a pesticide to combat various substances, which deserves our attention. There are few studies on it (at least on human subjects), and it should be of great concern, especially if it is promoted as a supplement.
If you are concerned about the need to regulate copper levels in your body and want to optimize the levels of this mineral, then maintaining an appropriate balance between copper and zinc is the wise approach. You can consume foods rich in zinc or high-quality zinc supplements (provided you consult a doctor) to achieve an appropriate balance between these two minerals.