Copper and the Environment

Copper is present naturally in the environment and in a wide variety of forms. Human, animal, and plant life have evolved in this natural presence of copper. As a result, most organisms have a built-in mechanism for using copper. Humans, animals and plants require copper for healthy development.

Metals, such as copper, are also introduced into the environment as a result of human activity. This arises from the need to process and transform minerals, as well as from industrial, commercial and domestic usage, wear, and disposal.

Today, mainstream activities associated with the transformation, manufacturing, and use of copper and copper-based products, use processes and exploit technology that reduce, and in some instances, eliminate any deleterious impact on the environment. Careful planning and the adoption of best or appropriate technologies, processes and practices, as well as voluntary initiatives by industry and government regulations where appropriate, help sustain the environment.

While copper's interaction with the environment is complex, research shows that most copper introduced into the environment is, or rapidly becomes, stable and results in a form which does not pose a risk to the environment. In fact, unlike some man-made materials, copper is not magnified in the body nor bio-accumulated in the food chain.

Natural and man-made materials can, under certain conditions, in the right form, and in high enough doses, be toxic, or damaging to the environment.

Scientists have established a procedure, called risk assessment, to determine how much of an element or chemical can be present in an environment before it becomes a risk. Determining levels of bio-availability (how much an element or chemical can be taken up by a body and absorbed, or used by it) is one key measure used to assess risk. Most forms of copper do not lend themselves to be bio-available, and therefore pose no risk to the environment. Where copper is bio-available, organisms can meet their essential needs in copper while excreting any excess. In instances where bio-available copper is in excess and poses a risk to the environment, society should assess the level of risk, be prepared to manage the risk, and take appropriate action.

Studies have shown that, overall, our environment is more likely to suffer from a deficiency of copper, than from any risk-posing excess. Copper deficient soil is a major issue in global food production, resulting in loss in yield, or reduced output for both crops and livestock. In many areas, feed must be supplemented with copper to remedy the risk associated with copper deficiency.