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Antimicrobial Copper Surfaces

On February 29, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered 275 copper alloys as antimicrobial materials.

What's underlying that registration? The fact that when uncoated, these alloys kill more than 99.9% of disease-causing bacteria*, including MRSA. And, these solid materials can be used to make surfaces that are frequently touched, offering a second line of defense against bacteria*. It’s important to remember that the use of antimicrobial copper is a supplement to routine infection control practices, it doesn’t act as a substitute for them.

Learn more in EPA Registration section.

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For information about the use of antimicrobial copper products in hospitals, other healthcare facilities, and various public, commercial, and residential buildings for approved non-food contact surfaces, go to Antimicrobial Products section.

Users of antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces must continue to follow all current infection control practices. The copper alloy surface material has been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but it does not necessarily prevent cross contamination or infection.

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* Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, E. coli O157:H7, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The use of copper alloy surfaces is a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices related to cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces. The copper alloy surface material has been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but it does not necessarily prevent cross contamination or infection.