Copper pipes may cause heart disease, Alzheimer’s
January 22nd, 2010 - 1:58 pm ICT by ANILondon, Jan 22 (ANI): Copper pipes can cause Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease in people over 50, a new study has warned.
In the study, researchers have suggested that people should remove old copper pipes from their homes or install special filters because the metal builds up in bodies and causes serious health problems.
They have warned that tiny traces of copper from pipes mix with tap water and are then consumed by people, reports The Telegraph.
The new report published in the Chemical Research in Toxicology journal said that scientific evidence links high levels of copper and iron to Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and a range of age-related disorders.
Dr George Brewer, lead researcher, said the study in mice had wide ranging implications for health authorities.
“Their toxicities are so general in the population that they are a looming public health problem in diseases of ageing and in the ageing process itself,” he said.
But Mr Brewer said: “Both contribute to the production of excess damaging oxidant radicals.
“Evolution has kept stores of copper and iron in excess during the reproductive years because they are so vital to life.
“But the oxidant damage from these excess stores of metals builds up as we age, and natural selection ceases to act after about age 50 since diseases after that do not contribute to reproductive fitness.” (ANI)
- People over 50 vulnerable to copper toxicity - Jan 21, 2010
- Over 50? Cut down copper, iron intake - Apr 08, 2010
- Over 50s at health risk from excess iron, copper intake - Apr 08, 2010
- Excess copper, iron linked with Alzheimer's - May 22, 2011
- Eating blueberries, blackberries 'ward off Alzheimer's, heart problems' - Dec 08, 2010
- Oxidative stress may not be all that harmful - Dec 07, 2011
- Low dietary iron lessens brain disease risk - Oct 05, 2011
- Scientists track mercury poisoning risk from diets - Nov 21, 2011
- Molecular 'switch' that contributes to cellular aging process identified - Dec 01, 2010
- Particles from car brakes can harm your lungs - Nov 21, 2009
- Alzheimer's disease caused by brain 'rust', says Oz scientist - Sep 06, 2010
- Function found for protein that causes Alzheimer's disease - Sep 13, 2010
- Tea, coffee & chocolate milk- best healthy beverages! - Jan 14, 2011
- Common lab dye may be the key to longevity - Mar 31, 2011
- Variety in meals holds key to a long and healthy life - Oct 18, 2010
Tags: ageing process, chemical research in toxicology, copper pipes, disease alzheimer, dr george, george brewer, health authorities, health problems, heart disease, london jan, mice, natural selection, oxidant, public health problem, radicals, reproductive fitness, serious health, study researchers, tap water, tiny traces
