Are copper pipes a health risk?

Scientists are calling for the removal of old copper pipes in homes, as it seems that the accumulation of certain metals in the body can cause serious health problems.

Copper piping has been used in U.S. home construction since the 1960s, and by 1970, builders were using only copper. It is important to know that the average life span of copper is about 20 years. Thus, for a construction established in the 80's, it is now that the corrosion problems will start to appear.

Researchers have found that copper microparticles mixed with tap water and consumed over long periods of time can lead to an excess of copper in the body, resulting in, for example, Alzheimer's disease, heart problems or diabetes because this type of copper is obviously not bio-assimilable.

Copper and iron in drinking water are inorganic forms that are very different from the minerals in food, which are assimilable. For example, people who consume tap water that has not been purified by means such as double reverse osmosis could see their life expectancy reduced by 10 to 15 years. The more acidic the water, i.e. with a pH below 6.5, the more it will erode the pipes.

Copper or iron are metals that are essential to the development and physiological functioning of the body, but at acceptable levels. If they become excessive, the body is not programmed to store such quantities, which then turn out to be toxic and contribute in particular to the increase in the rate of free radicals and consequently promote aging and increase the risks of neurodegenerative diseases.

A study shows that people who have a higher than normal copper level and eat a fatty diet will see their cognitive faculties decline three times faster than the average population.

The prognosis of the scientific community concerning the development of Alzheimer's disease is alarming, since it predicts an increase of this pathology of nearly 70% in the next 20 or 30 years. The theory of excessive aluminum levels triggering brain problems such as Alzheimer's is still relevant, but now there is also the theory of excessive levels of other types of metals such as iron, zinc or copper.

This other theory suggests that these metals accumulated in the brain would mix abnormally with a protein called amyloid beta. The latter would then become toxic and responsible for the oxidation and destruction of certain nerve cells. The range of health problems associated with excessive copper levels is exceedingly wide.

Examples include pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, a range of gastrointestinal concerns, liver problems, mental disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, speech impediments, childhood hyperactivity, depression, premature senility, headaches or muscle aches, hypertension or premenstrual syndromes. Pregnant women are at additional risk as copper levels are known to double during pregnancy, and it can take many months to return to normal.

Some doctors see this phenomenon as an explanation for postpartum depression.

HBE Diffusion, PANNE Carol 16 February, 2014
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