Reducing Infections in Public Spaces

How Copper's Antimicrobial Properties can make our Lives Healthier

Eight out of ten infectious diseases are transmitted by touch.  When stainless steel and aluminium surfaces appear to be clean, they can still harbour deadly microbes.  Copper and copper alloys have been scientifically proven to control the growth of bacteria and microbes rarely survive on copper longer than 90 minutes, making copper alloys ideal for door handles, push plates and hand rails - particularly in hospitals and shcools, where concerns over infection are highest.

Copper is effective against common disease-causing bacteria such as E.coli, streptococcus and staphylococcus.  The common flu virus, Influenza A, has trouble surviving on copper, as does Aspergillus niger, a common mould found in air conditioning systems.  It even is effective against more virulent strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria associated with hospital-acquired infections, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA).

Creating awareness

The International Copper Association is working hard to ensure manufacturers of hospital equipment and hardware are fully informed of the benefits of copper touch surfaces.  Meanwhile, permission is being sought from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make human health claims for copper alloys used in human contact surfaces.