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Warning-sign checks

Copper poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Elsewhere, contact your local poison information service or emergency medical service.

    Call emergency services now if the person has trouble breathing, collapses, has a seizure, cannot be awakened, or is severely confused.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison centre promptly if someone may have swallowed a concentrated copper product, even if symptoms have not started.

    In the United States, Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222 .

    Seek urgent medical assessment for:

    • Repeated vomiting or severe abdominal pain
    • Burning in the mouth or throat
    • Blood in vomit or stool
    • Yellow skin or eyes
    • Dark urine or much less urine than usual
    • New shortness of breath, marked weakness, or a fast heartbeat
    • Symptoms after inhaling copper dust or fumes
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For possible long-term exposure without severe symptoms, arrange routine medical advice.

    Persistent stomach symptoms, abnormal liver tests, repeated workplace exposure, excessive supplement use, or concerns about drinking water may require medical assessment and source testing.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Copper poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.