UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                     GUIDANCE FROM HOTLINE COMPENDIUM
                                                                           WSHH38
                                                              Date Issued: August 1991
SUBJECT:   Wilson's Disease and Copper

SOURCE:    Lonnie Finkle
             Jeff Cohen
In some publications, Wilson's Disease is listed as a health effect of copper.  Does copper in
drinking water actually cause Wilson's Disease?

       Response:

       No.  Wilson's Disease is an inborn disorder with copper metabolism, and is not caused
       by copper in drinking water.  Rather, individuals born with Wilson's Disease are at a
       higher risk of experiencing toxic health effects due to copper metabolism, allowing
       accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, kidneys, and corneas causing hemolytic
       anemia, neurological disorders and cornea opacity (56 FR31516). Also, the mandatory
       health  effects language in 141.32(e)(14) of 56 FR 26460 (June 7,  1991) states that copper
       at high doses has been shown to cause stomach and intestinal distress, liver and kidney
       damage, and anemia.

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