Copper has more than 25 biological functions vital to the development of the human being, a new book published here says. Written by biologist Juan Carlos Torres, “Copper, the Environment and Health: A Vital Connection” also points out that high concentrations of copper are toxic.

Copper is found in vegetables, liver, chocolate and oysters, the book says. Its publication was sponsored by the state-owned Chilean Copper Corporation, which is in charge of promoting the use of this mineral. Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper.

Santiago Torres, manager of sustainable development at the Copper Corporation,says studies still need to be done on the effects of the minute quantities of copper that travel from water pipes to sewers and rivers and that seep into the ground.

Other studies have shown, however, that people get sick when they do not get enough copper during gestation, growth and development.