Additional Research Information and Clarifications

Summary: Discusses the antimicrobial properties of copper alloys and their potential to reduce the amount of certain bacteria on frequently touched surfaces. Efficacy data address other materials and the effects of tarnishing, bacteria concentration and repeated contamination. EPA testing, results and registration are highlighted.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Influenza A has not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Influenza A. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications. Antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but not necessarily prevent cross contamination.

Summary: Discusses potential impact of antimicrobial copper alloys on amount of certain bacteria on frequently touched surfaces in healthcare settings. Describes the steps required to make public health claims and summarizes EPA test protocols and results.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Influenza A has not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Influenza A. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications.

Summary: Compares the viability of Clostridium difficile on copper and stainless steel. Reports a significant reduction of Clostridium difficile was observed on alloys with >70% copper content while no reduction is observed on steel. Suggests use of copper alloys in hospitals may reduce the levels of Clostridium difficile on frequently touched surfaces.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Clostridium difficile has not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Clostridium difficile.

Summary: Describes potential healthcare applications and barriers for antimicrobial copper alloys. Authors review efficacy data against various organisms and EPA testing.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Listeria monocytogenes has not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Listeria monocytogenes. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications.

Summary: Uses fluorescent microscopy to compare viability of Influenza A on copper and stainless steel. Copper showed a 4-log reduction after 6 hours while steel only showed a 1-log reduction after 24 hours.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Influenza A has not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Influenza A.

Summary: Compares the viability of Listeria monocytogenes on various copper alloys and stainless steel. Copper-based alloys produced a significant reduction in viability compared to stainless steel. Suggests materials selection could impact bioload in various environments.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Listeria monocytogenes and Desulfovibrio desulfuricans has not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Listeria monocytogenes or Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications.

Summary: Displays copper’s ability to kill epidemic Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus under different conditions in comparison to stainless steel. Illustrates effects of bacteria concentration, temperature and copper content.

Copper materials have been proven to kill 99.9% of certain bacteria (see top of page) within two hours. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness in less time is made, either expressed or implied.

Summary: Investigates ability of copper to kill Escherichia coli O157:H7 which is responsible for diseases caused by food contamination. Incorporates beef juice with bacteria to simulate food cross contamination scenario. High copper containing alloys greatly reduced the amount of E. coli O157:H7 at room (22C) and low temperatures (4C). Stainless steel, the control, had no effect.

Copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications. Copper alloy surface materials have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but they do not necessarily prevent cross contamination.

Summary: Compares the survivability of an infectious strain of Escherichia coli on copper alloys and stainless steel. Copper alloys exhibited a large reduction within several hours while stainless steel did not. Addresses the advantages of alloying and suggests using antimicrobial surfaces in environments where bacterial contamination is a concern.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Legionella pneumophilia has not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Legionella pneumophilia. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications.

Summary: Illustrates the ability of copper alloys to kill several food borne pathogens known to cause infection. Also demonstrates efficacy against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus which is largely responsible for hospital acquired infections. Stainless steel, the control, had no effect on any of the pathogens. Results suggest copper alloys may reduce the levels of infectious pathogens on surfaces in contact with food and touched by humans.

Any references in this article that state or imply effectiveness in controlling disease or the transmission of bacteria that can cause disease in humans have not been approved by the U.S. EPA or FDA. The conclusions reached in this article are solely the opinions of the researchers and authors. Antimicrobial copper alloys cannot make "disease control" claims and U.S. EPA-approved testing only supports claims of antimicrobial effectiveness against specific bacteria that are associated with disease (see top of page). The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Listeria monocytogenes, Influenza A, and Aspergillus niger has not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Listeria monocytogenes, Influenza A, or Aspergillus niger. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications.

Summary: Reviews numerous studies and papers that illustrate copper’s ability to kill a variety of organisms known to cause infection. Emphasis is placed on Legionella pneumophila which is transferred through piping systems (i.e. HVAC, water delivery) and has caused a number of pneumonia outbreaks. Results suggest copper can reduce the levels of harmful pathogens in plumbing networks.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Legionella pneumophilia has not been proven by U.S. EPA-approved testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Legionella pneumophilia. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for applications in direct contact with stagnant water or for water transport.

Summary: Tests the viability of E. coli O157:H7 on a variety of copper alloy surfaces. All tested copper alloys rendered the bacteria nonviable after several hours. E. coli O157:H7 has been responsible for a number of food recalls and can survive on stainless steel for days. Results suggest copper alloys will be useful beyond food processing applications.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Listeria monocytogenes has not been proven by U.S. EPA-approved testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Listeria monocytogenes. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications.

Summary: Investigates the viability of E. coli O157:H7 on 25 copper alloy surfaces at 20C and 4C (refrigeration temperature). Bacteria reduction occurred with all alloys and was faster at the higher temperature and on alloys containing higher levels of copper. Further research is recommended to determine copper’s effect on molds and other organisms that cause respiratory infections.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Listeria monocytogenes, or molds has not been proven by U.S. EPA-approved testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to Listeria monocytogenes or molds. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications.

Summary: Compares the viability of MRSA, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Candida albicans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis on copper alloys, stainless steel and PVC. Results illustrate copper’s ability to kill pathogens most commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections. No effect was observed on PVC and stainless steel.

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper against Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumanii, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Campylobacter jejuni has not been proven by U.S. EPA-approved testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either expressed or implied, with regard to Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumanii, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Campylobacter jejuni. Copper materials have been proven to kill 99.9% of certain bacteria (see top of page) within two hours. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness in less time is made, either expressed or implied.

Summary: Article provides an overview on the antimicrobial characteristic of copper. Describes the research performed to date and the potential applications of antimicrobial copper products. Includes a letter from the editor which highlights the article.

References to effectiveness against Streptococcus, Influenza A, and Listeria monocytogenes have not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to these organisms. Additionally, copper alloy surfaces are not approved for use in direct food-contact applications. Copper materials have been proven to kill 99.9% of certain bacteria (see top of page ) within two hours. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness in less time is made, either expressed or implied. Copper alloy surface materials have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but they do not necessarily prevent cross contamination.

Summary: Discusses the unique bactericidal properties of copper and brass compared to stainless steel and aluminum against various organisms. Results suggest that hospitals should utilize brass (copper alloy) hardware to minimize bacterial growth on these surfaces.

References to effectiveness against Streptococcus have not been proven by U.S. EPA-sanctioned testing. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness is made, either express or implied, with regard to this organism. Copper materials have been proven to kill 99.9% of certain bacteria within two hours. No claim of antimicrobial effectiveness in less time is made, either express or implied.