What is the primary source of copper poisoning?

Copper poisoning primarily arises from non-infectious exposure, which encompasses situations where individuals come into contact with excessive amounts of copper through various means, such as contaminated food or water, or overconsumption of copper supplements. Non-infectious sources can also include exposure to copper piping that leaches copper into drinking water, particularly when the water is acidic or has low mineral content.

In contrast, infectious exposure typically involves pathogens or toxins from biological sources, which is not relevant to copper poisoning. Environmental pollutants may include a broader category of contaminants but do not specifically pertain to copper. Occupational hazards can contribute to exposure in certain workplaces, yet the most common and widespread cases of copper poisoning occur from sources like dietary intake or environmental contamination rather than being directly linked to a specific job or occupation. Thus, recognizing non-infectious exposure as the primary source helps in understanding the general public health implications and the importance of monitoring copper levels in food and water.