How to Take Advantage of the Benefits and Avoid Overexposure
Copper sulfate is an inorganic compound that combinescopperand sulfate.
In this form, its a popular raw material for producing other types of copper salts.
Copper sulfate uses include stopping the growth of fungus and bacteria.
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Overexposure can lead to possible toxicity in humans, though.
This article discusses the benefits of copper sulfate and the side effects that can come from copper sulfate exposure.
Copper sulfate is also used to make it help with public health and safety.
It destroys algae and bacteria in swimming pools.
It can act as an irritant when someone is exposed to it.
Crops and agriculture are cleaned after being treated with copper sulfate.
Theres minimal risk of ingesting it from a treated crop as it primarily binds itself to soil sediments.
It is possible to be exposed to copper sulfate if you use it for farming or gardening purposes.
If absorbed through the skin or eyes, copper sulfate may cause a burning, stinging sensation.
If someone consumes copper sulfate and does not vomit, they could be at risk of copper sulfate poisoning.
Though extremely rare, if left untreated, high-dose exposure to copper sulfate in some situations can cause death.
How Much Copper Sulfate Is Toxic?
Ingesting one gram or more of copper sulfate can cause symptoms of toxicity.
That amount may be more or less depending on the individual.
The lethal dose of ingested copper sulfate is considered to be 10 to 20 grams.
More research is needed to determine if long-term exposure to copper sulfate can cause cancer in humans and animals.
Can copper sulfate harm plants?
It is an approved pesticide and protects plants as they grow.
2011 Dec;6(1):34. doi:10.1186/1745-6673-6-34
National Pesticide Information Center.Copper Sulfate.
National Pesticide Information Center.
