Increased Blood and Urine Copper after Residential Exposure to Copper Naphthenate

Abstract

Despite widespread industrial use of copper naphthenate, there are no reports of the relationship of copper naphthenate and copper absorption in humans or animals. We report a family of three individuals who lived in a home where copper naphthenate was sprayed on the inner foundation. Subsequently, these individuals developed non-specific complaints. In two of these individuals, serum copper levels were elevated when first measured months after copper naphthenate was sprayed in the home. A gradual decline over several years in urine and serum copper levels was observed in the individual who maintained follow-up. It is not known if symptoms reflected exposure to naphthenate, the solvent vehicle, volatilized copper, or the stress of exposure to a malodorous compound perceived as toxic. Exposure to copper naphthenate may be another cause of an elevated serum and urine copper level but the interpretation of these levels as “normal” or “toxic” requires additional study for clarification. This report suggests the need for further study of the absorption and relative toxicity of copper naphthenate.

KEY WORDS:

• copper naphthenate
• serum copper
• urinary copper
• neuropsychological tests
• toxicity