Health & Environment

Copper Naturally!

Copper is a natural element, a metal that has been one of mankind's most useful and valuable materials since time immemorial. It is represented by the chemical symbol Cu and the atomic number 29.

Essential for Life

Copper applications are to be found everywhere around us. In practical terms, copper is indispensable, not only in a multiplicity of technical functions we have attributed to it, but also to our basic health, as it is a vital trace element in our daily diet, helping to ensure the health of body and brain. Like us, animals and plants could not thrive without it.

Copper's Antimicrobial Properties

A solid body of evidence shows that copper has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial efficacy and can inhibit the most important pathogens challenging public health.  This intrinsic property is currently under evaluation in clinical trials in both the UK and Germany.  Click here to view a December 2008 publication describing the science, the test plan and the very encouraging initial results.

For more comprehensive information, visit the UK Copper Development Association's website.

Copper Risk Assessment

In 2000, the copper industry initiated a voluntary risk assessment for copper.
This comprehensive assessment, covering the production, use and end-of life aspects of the copper value chain, shows that the existing legislative framework generally safeguards Europe's environment, the health of industry workers and the general public. To access a summary of the Copper Risk Assessment, please click here.