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Copper
Copper is a naturally occurring metal, which is found in rocks, soil, water, and air. Small amounts of copper are necessary for healthy plants and animals, but too much copper can be toxic. In the environment, copper becomes strongly attached to the organic components of the soil and is not likely to move very far in soils. Dissolved copper compounds can also bind to organic particles suspended in the water and settle out in the sediments of ponds, lakes, and rivers. Copper compounds are commonly used to control algae in water, to treat plant diseases, and to preserve wood, leather, and fabrics.
If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (7:30am-3:30pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.
Additional Resources on Copper:
- ToxFAQs: Copper - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Public Health Statement: Copper - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Toxicological Profile: Copper - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
- Basic Information about Copper in Drinking Water - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Technical Factsheet on Copper - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) Fact Sheet: Copper - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Reregistration Eligibility Decision(RED) for Coppers - U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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