E519 - Copper Sulphate

Author: Leticia Celentano Time for reading: ~1 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic: The food additive E 519 is bright blue crystals, it can also be in the form of blue crystalline granules or blue crystalline powder. The taste is metallic and causes nausea, raz

Characteristic

Food additive E 519 is a bright blue crystal, it can also be in the form of blue crystalline granules or blue crystalline powder. The taste is metallic and causes nausea, the solubility in water is good, also in concentrated hydrochloric acid and in alcohol diluted with water. It does not dissolve well in ethanol.

Copper sulphate is found in the mineral chalcanthite (pentahydrate). The additive is obtained by the reaction of sulfuric acid with copper (copper hydroxide or copper oxide).

Use

The additive E 519 is not widespread in the food industry, it is banned for use in the territories of the EU countries. The main function of the substance is to fix the colors. It is also used as a preservative. It is sometimes added to olives to preserve their color, and is also used as a soil for yeast. Many countries abandon the additive because of its unpleasant taste.

In addition to the food industry, copper sulfate is used in medicine as an antiseptic and astringent. It is most widely used in agriculture. The substance acts as a poison for pests, is a means of combating phylloxera and various fungal diseases. The additive is used to remove stains from leaks and rust, precipitation of salts on various surfaces.

Impact on humans

Copper sulphate is considered a low-hazard substance. However, taking 8-30 grams of it is deadly for an adult. Getting E 519 on the skin or in the eyes can cause burns. The substance must first be removed from the skin with a towel and then the area rinsed with cold soapy water. The eyes should be rinsed immediately under a large amount of running water. When inhaled, copper sulphate has an adverse effect on the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. In this case, it is necessary to breathe fresh air and rinse your mouth with water. If E 519 enters the gastrointestinal tract, immediately flush the stomach with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and take saline laxative, induce vomiting and take diuretics.

E519 - Copper Sulphate

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Characteristic

Use

Impact on humans

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