Can copper cause harm to the body if it's put inside?
Copper is a mineral as is calcium, zinc, and potassium, etc. As has already been mentioned all modern pennies are mostly zinc. I would not make a habit of swallowing pennies but one will not hurt you unless you are unusually sensitive to the metals.
yes it is very toxic. Swallowing a penny will not hurt you, copper sulfate will. By the way, pennies are now made out of zinc. Copper in small amounts is essential mineral for your body. Tiny amounts are ok such as in your vitamin/mineral supplements from GNC.
The body will reject objects made of copper and attempt to expel it as it is a foreign body, but this is no different from a splinter or something like that, really. Now, you do need small amounts of copper in your diet to stay healthy. But, there is a difference between elemental copper and copper ions. Elemental copper is the metal, such as a penny (although I think these days they are actually made of zinc, and plated with copper - I could be wrong.) An electrochemical series indicates that copper cannot displace hydrogen. Therefore, for the most part, copper metal taken into the body will stay as copper metal, and it is then relatively harmless. However, copper in the form of the Cu2+ ion is quite toxic. This is found in ionic copper compounds such as CuCl2, Cu(NO3)2, and CuSO4. These compounds tend to be blue or green in colour. The Cu2+ ion is an oxidizing agent which can cause damage inside the body, and it is often a component of paint for ship hulls to stop things from growing on them. @ Jaym!: You spelled nickel incorrectly. The nickle is a bird.
Ever head of metal poisoning ? Copper is toxic, symptoms: Patients who overdose on copper from supplements require emergency medical attention. Symptoms of copper overdose include the following: * Burning sensation in the body * Chills * Convulsions * Diarrhea * Metallic taste * Muscular aches * Nausea and vomiting * Pain throughout the body * Weakness * Yellow eyes and skin * Lack of urine Gold has been used as poison before, interesting stuff right.
Copper is a metal that occurs naturally in the environment, and also in plants and animals. Low levels of copper are essential for maintaining good health. High levels can cause harmful effects such as irritation of the nose, mouth and eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and even death. As with all things, if taken as prescribed and in moderation you should have no problems, but taken against advised direction or used excessively and one is in a heap of trouble. Cheers
