This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Both metal and copper oxidize when exposed to oxygen and this is a natural process. Copper that is exposed to the outside environment is more likely to turn green and that is why copper vases and decorative pieces in gardens are often green.
In the case of iron, the oxygen creates a slow burning process, which results in the brittle brown substance we call rust. When oxidation occurs in copper, on the other hand, the result is a greenish coating called copper oxide.