The Science
For Centuries Copper Has Been Killing Bacteria
Now Science Supports Copper's Healing History
“[Antimicrobial Copper has] been rigorously tested and [has] demonstrated antimicrobial activity. After consulting with independent organizations – the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) – as well as a leading expert in the field (Dr. William A. Rutala, Ph.D., M.P.H.) the Agency has concluded that the use of these products could provide a benefit as a supplement to existing infection control measures.” – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Videos
In his TEDx talk, Dr. Michael G. Schmidt, a professor of microbiology and immunology at MUSC, shows us how changing the surfaces in three hospitals from plastic, wood and stainless steel to copper significantly lowered hospital associated infections (HAI).
“Copper reduced the HAI rate in our study. We cut the [infection rate] 58%.” Dr. Michael G. Schmidt”
Applying the learnings from the Department of Defense Healthcare – Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) study, Pullman Regional Hospital proactively invests in health safety for its patients and staff by changing plastic, wood and stainless steel surfaces to copper.
“It was exciting to realize that we could do something fairly simple to implement and have such a dramatic impact.” Scott Adams Chief Executive Officer, Pullman Regional Hospital
At the Ronald McDonald House in Charleston South Carolina, its special guests are always priority #1. To ensure their safety they installed copper throughout this home of healing.
“We are still protected going back and forth visiting by having this copper product y’all are protecting us with”. From a parent that had stayed in the Ronald McDonald House in Charleston, South Carolina
How does antimicrobial Copper kill germs?
PBS’s Nova and Professor Bill Keevil show us copper in action.
“An experiment demonstrates the behavior of fluorescent-dyed MRSA on pieces of copper and stainless steel. After 5 minutes, the bacteria on the stainless steel remained, while no bacteria on the copper plate survived.” From Nova’s episode, Treasures of the Earth | The Antimicrobial Properties of Copper.
Articles
From Smithsonian Magazine:
Copper’s Virus-Killing Powers Were Known Even to the Ancients
“The SARS-CoV-2 virus endures for days on plastic or metal but disintegrates soon after landing on copper surfaces. Here’s why”
From R&D World:
Copper alloy kills coronavirus within 10 minutes
“The startling results showed that on the copper alloy, the virus viability was completely eliminated within 10 minutes.”
From Fast Company:
Copper kills coronavirus. Why aren’t our surfaces covered in it?
“In China, it was called “qi,” the symbol for health. In Egypt it was called “ankh,” the symbol for eternal life. For the Phoenicians, the reference was synonymous with Aphrodite—the goddess of love and beauty.”
From Material ConneXion:
What’s the Difference? Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, and Antiviral
“Every day we see more materials and chemicals claim antimicrobial, antibacterial, or antiviral properties. But what does that mean exactly?”
From PRESSBOX:
Copper Destroys Viruses. Could it help now?
“A study from 2015 found that a different coronavirus (229E), could still infect a human lung cell after five days of being on materials like teflon, ceramic, glass, silicone rubber, and stainless steel. But on copper alloys, the coronavirus was rapidly inactivated.”
From The ANYS Blog:
Copper Kills Germs? Yes, So Start Designing with It!
“Incorporating copper, brass and bronze into product designs is emerging as a trend. For instance, hospitals are starting to incorporate it into rails, equipment and bedding.”
Studies
From National Library of Medicine:
Copper surfaces reduce the rate of healthcare-acquired infections in the intensive care unit
Cassandra D Salgado, Kent A Sepkowitz, Joseph F John, J Robert Cantey, Hubert H Attaway, Katherine D Freeman, Peter A Sharpe, Harold T Michels, Michael G Schmidt
From ASM International & American Society for Microbiology:
Can Copper Help Fight COVID-19?
Harold T. Michels, consultant and retired senior vice president, Copper Development Association, Manhasset, New York
Corinne A. Michels, distinguished professor emerita, Queens College — CUNY, Flushing, New York
From New England Journal of Medicine:
Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1
Neeltje van Doremalen, Ph.D., Trenton Bushmaker, B.Sc., Amandine Gamble, Ph.D., Brandi N. Williamson, M.P.H., Azaibi Tamin, Ph.D., Jennifer L. Harcourt, Ph.D., Natalie J. Thornburg, Ph.D., Susan I. Gerber, M.D., James O. Lloyd-Smith, Ph.D., Bethesda, MD, Emmie de Wit, Ph.D., Vincent J. Munster, Ph.D.
From Canadian Journal of Infection Control:
The role of copper surfaces in reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ignacio Pineda, MD, MSc, M.P.H, Richard Hubbard, PhD, Francisca Rodríguez, MSc
From ASM International & American Society for Microbiology:
Human Coronavirus 229E Remains Infectious on Common Touch Surface Materials
Sarah L. Warnes, Zoë R. Little, C. William Keevil
From Europe PMC:
Copper for the Prevention of Outbreaks of Health Care-Associated Infections in a Long-term Care Facility for Older Adults.
Zerbib 1, Vallet L, Muggeo A, de Champs C, Lefebvre A, Jolly D, Kanagaratnam L