Can copper from water pipes increase your risk of heart calcification?
Possibly. A 2025 study identified copper as a key driver of coronary artery calcification in a multi-metal mixture analysis.
What's actually in it
Copper enters your body through drinking water (from copper pipes), food, and supplements. While copper is an essential nutrient, excess copper exposure can promote oxidative stress in blood vessels. Homes with copper plumbing can have elevated copper in tap water.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf analyzed metal mixture exposures and coronary artery calcification. Copper was identified as the primary driver of calcification risk, with a threshold effect above certain exposure levels.
If your home has copper pipes, let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking. Consider water testing.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Copper-driven risk of coronary artery calcification: Multi-metal mixture analysis and threshold identification. | Ecotoxicol Environ Saf | 2025 |
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