Copper products include copper wire, copper tubing and fitting systems, and building construction materials. Copper powders are used in sintered parts for engineering components and filters; carbon brushes for electrical motors; and friction materials (EU vRAR, 2008).
Copper compounds are used in fungicides, ceramics, and pyrotechnics; as pigments and analytical reagents; and, for electroplating and many other industrial uses. Copper fume exposures can occur in copper and brass foundries and smelters, and in welding copper-containing metals (ACGIH®, 2001).
Occupational exposure to copper can occur during production, storage, transportation and end-use.
Workers can be exposed to copper via inhalation and eye or dermal contact.
Other work areas with risk of possible exposure to copper:
– other agriculture and fishing support services
– pesticide manufacturing
– copper, silver, lead and zinc smelting and refining
– non-ferrous metal casting
– metal roof and guttering manufacturing (except aluminium)
– machinery and equipment manufacturing (NZ.Stat, 2019).
Lipids/Trace Metals
UCU
Recommended sampling time is POST SHIFT - the last 2 hours to immediately following the end of the working day and end of the working week , following at least 4 days of exposure.
Send to separating if ambient. Send to trace metals if frozen.
Aliquot to Core laboratory for UCRN
Ambient 14 days, refrigerated (preferred) 28 days, frozen 28 days
14 days
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