ABSTRACT
Following clarification of frequently encountered terms in dermatotoxicology we present a synopsis of irritant reactions of the skin to copper and its compounds: types of untoward skin reactions in general, aspects of human exposure to copper, and a description of predictive and diagnostic methods to assess irritancy through bioengineering methods, in vivo and in vitro, in humans and animals. The review discusses case studies, followed by critical examination of literature reports, with consideration given to a number of confounding factors in diagnosis. To a limited extent, the review also discusses immunotoxicity, copper pharmacology, and therapeutic benefits of exposure.
EXPOSURE TO COPPER
