Additional Information
DISCLAIMER: The following articles are based upon independent scientific research and are provided for informational purposes only. The conclusions reached in these articles are the opinions of the researchers and authors. U.S. EPA-approved testing demonstrates antimicrobial effectiveness for copper alloys against only the following organisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Any reference to effectiveness against other organisms has not been proven by U.S. EPA-approved testing and is only the product of initial exploratory testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express of implied, with regard to organisms other than those identified above. For full information on antimicrobial copper alloys, please see the registration information on this website.
Anti-Microbial Characteristics of Copper
By Harold T. Michels
ASTM Standardization News, October 2006Article provides an overview on the antimicrobial characteristic of copper. Describes the research performed to date and the potential applications of copper products. Includes a letter from the editor which highlights the article.
Copper Alloys for Human Infectious Disease Control
H.T. Michels1; S.A. Wilks2; J.O. Noyce2; and C.W. Keevil2
1Copper Development Association Inc., USA, 2University of Southampton, School of Biological Sciences, Environmental Healthcare Unit, UKPresented at the Materials Science and Technology Conference, Copper for the 21st Century Symposium, September 25-28, 2005
Several bacteria, known to be human pathogens, die within hours when placed on copper alloy surfaces. In contrast, these same organisms can live for days on stainless steel surfaces. Organisms tested include E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study results suggest the selection of copper alloys for surfaces exposed to human touch or food contact. Using copper alloys in this manner can materially assist in reducing the transmission of potentially infectious organisms.
Copper Alloys May Be Allies in Fight Against Germs
By Harold T. Michels
Plumbing Standards, October-December 2004This article discusses the benefits of copper's antimicrobial properties for plumbing systems. It compares copper's effectiveness at reducing the presence of organisms versus other common materials in water distribution systems.
Effects of Copper Alloy Surfaces on the Viability of Bacterium, E. coli O157:H7
H.T. Michels1; S.A. Wilks2; C.W. Keevil2
1Copper Development Association Inc., USA, 2University of Southampton, School of Biological Sciences, Environmental Healthcare Unit, UKPresented at Hygienic Coatings and Surfaces, 26-28 January, 2004
This deadly strain of E. coli has been associated with several large-scale food recalls by processors in the USA . The bacterium was found to be nonviable in a few hours when placed on copper surfaces, but it survived for many days on stainless steel.
Doorknobs: a source of nosocomial infection?
By Phyllis J. Kuhn, Ph.D.
Diagnostic Medicine, Nov/Dec 1983An article that discusses the unique bactericidal properties of copper and brass compared to stainless steel and aluminum. Results suggest that hospitals should utilize brass (copper alloy) hardware to minimize bacterial growth on these surfaces.
