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
14 days
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