Copper Toxicity Syndrome

It was noted in a general practice that when Hair Mineral analysis was performed a significant number showed increased copper levels. Very little reference to this problem could be gleaned from the medical literature. In time it was noted that similar symptoms were described in a number of individuals with raised hair copper. These were symptoms of the affective disorders — with individuals showing degrees of anxiety, depression and sleep disorders as well as other problems. Serum and urine assessment for raised copper rarely showed abnormal levels. Chelation therapy using DPenicillamine would on occasion elicit a prompt reduction of symptoms. Twenty four hour urine output of copper during chelation therapy was generally proportional to the level of copper in hair analysis. Since significantly raised hair copper levels are rare in most other geographical areas, it is postulated that there are high levels of copper in domestic water supplies of the area (Vancouver, B.C.).