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Copper sulfate refers to food additives that are obtained as a result of a chemical reaction between sulfuric acid and a metal derivative. According to generally accepted standards, it is classified under the number E519. They are produced exclusively synthetically. The finished product has some emulsifier properties. Most often used as a preservative. Copper sulfate is completely safe for the human body.
Overview
According to chemical reference books, it has a common name – copper sulfate, the formula of which is CuSO4. The main difference between various types of this substance is saturation with a liquid – water.
In addition to pentahydrate, an anhydrous sulfate similar in formula can be found, which has a gray-white or slightly greenish tint. There is also the mineral Bonatite, which is called trihydrate.
Standard copper sulfate has the appearance of crystals of a characteristic blue color. When consumed by a person, a slightly metallic taste is felt. The substance is able to dissolve in water, methyl alcohol and hydrochloric acid.
Some time ago, E519 was available in the food industry of the Russian Federation. With its help, an unusual bluish color of any products was created, used as one of the best preservatives. The most common is the production of olives. In 2010, the use of copper sulfate was vetoed. Despite the generally accepted food intake, modern research proves some toxic effects leading to mutations within the body.
Product name
The generally accepted standards indicate the official name of copper sulfate. In the international community, the name Cupric Sulphate is accepted.
In addition to the food industry, E519 is used in pharmaceuticals, photography, agriculture, and the textile industry.
In the countries of the European Union, the food additive is called according to the encrypted code – E519 (sometimes indicated with a dash between the letter and numbers).
Other names are known among industrialists or workers in the chemical industry. The most popular are copper sulfate, crystalline hydrate, divalent copper sulfate, separate names in German and French.
Type of dietary supplement
The substance is officially registered as a stabilizer used in the manufacture of food or food products. In its natural form, it can be found in some minerals. It is butite or chalcanthite. Despite the natural origin of the source itself, the substance is inorganic, related to binary compounds.
In order to use copper sulfate in industry, copper is dissolved in previously heated sulfuric acid. This ensures air circulation. An alternative option is oxidative firing. In this case, copper oxide interacts with sulfuric acid
Purification of the finished product involves the formation of new crystals in distilled water, which is subjected to a boiling process. As a result of cooling, a precipitate is formed, which is separated from the substance through the use of special filters.
| Index | Materials |
|---|---|
| Color | no color; in the form of crystals – blue, turquoise or light blue |
| Composition | Copper sulphate with the formula CuSO4 |
| External form | Powder, crystals or crystalline granules |
| fragrance | No |
| Solubility in liquids | In water, methanol and sulfuric acid; insoluble in ethanol |
| Quantity of main component | Not less than 98% |
| Palatability | Unpleasant, interspersed with metal |
| Density | 3,64 g / cm3 |
| other | When exposed to open space, color is lost; increased hygroscopicity |
Packaging and application
Copper sulfate, according to generally accepted standards, is packed in special bags. They are created from polypropylene or paper, consisting of several layers. Inside such a container there must be an insert made of polyethylene. When not used in the food industry, it is packaged in bottles or jars made of plastic. Less commonly found in foil or plastic bags.
In modern society, the use of food additive E519 is prohibited by the laws of some countries, including the Russian Federation. The exclusion procedure was carried out in 2010, when some independent studies indicated harm to the human body. It is also prohibited to use in Norway, some countries of the European Union, the UK and the EAEU states. It is still allowed to use in Japan, partially in Ukraine. No data are available on copper sulfate in the United States of America.
Benefit and harm
Numerous modern scientific research centers, having carried out an accurate study of all the possible consequences of the influence of the food additive E519 on the human body, came to the conclusion about its danger – the second hazard class was assigned. The reason for this situation is the possibility of accumulation of the substance in the liver and kidneys, causing irreparable harm to the body.
Especially dangerous is the accidental ingestion of food additives. Toxic effects begin to manifest themselves depending on the person’s age, body weight, and general condition. Average indicators indicate about 0,5 g, leading to serious health problems.
The standard symptoms of poisoning are nausea, the urge to vomit, the appearance of burns on the mucous membranes, diarrhea, involuntary convulsions, accompanied by a change in the rhythm of heart contractions. The body begins to lose water quickly.
When such symptoms appear, it is recommended to immediately call a doctor. The patient is given a gastric lavage. For this purpose, a solution of potassium permanganate (0,1%) is used, up to 2 tablespoons of magnesium sulfate are prescribed (preferably administered intravenously).
Vapors of copper sulphate are also dangerous, which can cause pulmonary edema with frequent inhalation. If it is necessary to carry out work with mineral fertilizers, it is recommended to use a respirator. At the end, hands and face are thoroughly washed. A dose equal to 45 g of the substance is fatal.
Application in other areas
Copper sulfate is allowed to be used in other areas of human activity – medicine, agriculture and veterinary medicine.
E915 is considered one of the most potent antiseptics. It is often used to accelerate the production of hemoglobin, and also removes the negative effects of phosphorus compounds poisoning the human body. It is taken orally for effective and rapid cleansing of the stomach by removing the contents in the form of vomiting. The treatment of certain infectious diseases, as well as anemia, is common.
In agriculture, it is an excellent fungicide. It is used to rid plants of many parasites and microorganisms, as well as fungal infections. A solution of copper sulfate is used to cultivate the land before sowing. Rarely used as a fertilizer to enrich copper.
In veterinary medicine, it is used as an antiseptic and anthelmintic agent. When spraying the stall, mosquitoes and fleas disappear. The limbs of the animal are also processed in order to cure dermatitis, ulcers and other ailments. Food supplement E519 is used to cure various infections in aquarium fish.