A quick internet search revealed more information than needed to see how cooper exposure from everyday life thru the air, water, foods, medicines, and occupational exposures can cause toxicity. Arthritis is just one of the results from chronic exposure!
Your question has given me fresh reasons to take Liquid Zeolite everyday. It is in my opinion the most effective remover of heavy metals from the body. Chelation also removes calcium and magnesium and other essential minerals in the process.
The last reference also highlights the need to have a diet high in trace minerals and so sea salt and Himalayan crystal salt are essential. Also mentioned for mercury and copper that sulfur was important. The most effective product for that is a supplement called Sulfurzyme. Having a water purifier is also important.
As for copper mining I am sure if you do a deeper search than what I just did it will reveal a connection. It would have to be airborne more in those areas. Any electrical hand tool would also due to wiring highten exposure as well.
Hope this helps and if the links don’t work I have saved this info. Email me for them if you want.
Thanks
Stan
Copper Toxicity
Copper Exposure
Copper & Arthritis
The Dangers of Toxic Metals