The reaction of copper and other projectile metals in body tissues

---

Wigle RL. Journal of Trauma. [JC:kaf] 33(1):14-8, 1992 Jul. To determine the effect of copper in tissue, copper specimens, along with other metals commonly used in firearm projectiles, were implanted into rats. Copper consistently produced a necrotic, abscesslike reaction in all tissues tested. Nickel produced a similar reaction, although of lesser magnitude. Aluminum, zinc, and lead produced no significant tissue reaction.