Re: Copper Question


"Stephen Mills" <Steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:3zzXBjArjY+DFwiv@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dear Lee,

I'm aware of that, I too was trying to draw attention to the comparative
safety of Copper compared to other oxides, especially Cobalt which
should always be treated with great respect.

Writing and keeping Ceramic Material MSDS' up to date was one of my main
responsibilities before I returned to making.

Steve
Bath
UK



In article <1140424348.133372.109460@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>, Lee
In Mashiko, Japan <togeika@xxxxxxxxx> writes
Steve,

Copper is more like Iron than it is like lead or cadmium, because
it is an essential trace metal we need to keep healthy. Actually,
our modern vegetables do not have the levels of copper in them as they
have in the past. This is because modern fertilizers leach copper
out of the soild. This leaching of copper is suspected to be a factor
in things like BSE and Alzheymers. Guess why? Our neurons need
copper to carry electrical impulses.

Also, it has been found in studies in India, at copper and
brass pots are safer to use as water storage because of their
anticeptic qualities. This is a big problem, because poor people are
switching from these traditional metal water containers to plastic.
The problem is compounded if the water is stored in the dark. Plastic
water containers kept in the sun are not as large a problem.

The Chicken Little attitude about copper comes from the fact
that the original concerns with copper were when they were found in
lead glazes. Copper allows lead to become more soluable in glazes,
and so lead leaches out. People have confused the issue.

--
Lee Love
in Mashiko, Japan http://mashiko.org
http://seisokuro.blogspot.com/ My Photo Logs
http://ikiru.blogspot.com/ Zen and Craft


--
Steve Mills
Bath
UK

However if you read all of the site that Lee posted you see that while
copper is a necessary trace element, the key word is trace - too much
accumulates in the organs especially the liver and is harmful. So while it
is unlikely that a glaze would leach massive amounts, prolonged exposure
would not be good especially when you consider that most of us have copper
water pipes as well. Of course there are inhalation risks that are greater
and I am sure everyone is aware of the precautions necessary to handling all
dry glaze materials.


.

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