Changes in the nasal mucosa after exposure to copper salt dust. A preliminary report

Abstract

Ten metal workers with varying exposure to complex copper salts in dust form, 6 other metal workers not exposed, and 9 construction workers in other occupational categories, also unexposed to the salts, were compared with respect to history and mucosal changes in the nose. There were subjective symptoms of metal dust exposure in the group exposed to copper salts. Suspected early atrophic changes in the mucosal membranes were noted in subjects exposed for long periods of time. Protective equipment in the form of breathing masks should be used in this type of work unless moistening or a surface finish on the copper sheeting is capable of preventing the release of dust.