Environmental Considerations

Copper is an essential trace element needed for the healthy development of most plants, animals and human beings. In general, moderate excess quantities of copper are not known to cause problems. Every care is taken to avoid wasting copper and it is recycled where possible. Excess copper is not allowed to escape into the atmosphere as fume, nor into discharged process cooling water, all of which is generally treated to keep within agreed limits.

Other metals associated with copper alloys are generally not in a form that is dangerous. However, when fume is generated, for example by melting or welding, it may be necessary to use fume extraction equipment. Beryllium is sometimes used as an alloying element in copper to make some of the strongest copper alloys known, being invaluable for the production of heavy duty springs. When alloyed with copper and in the solid state this presents no health hazard. However, if present in the atmosphere, beryllium can cause a health hazard and should be controlled. CDA publication 104 gives advice on health and safety requirements for airborne fume associated with copper-beryllium.