Antimicrobial Copper Surfaces

Copper and its alloys, brass and bronze, are naturally antimicrobial materials. Recent

laboratory research performed under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved

protocols demonstrated that copper alloy surfaces kill more than 99.9% of several

bacteria known to be human pathogens within two hours. Tests were conducted at room

temperature and under normal humidity conditions. The organisms tested were:

* Staphylococcus aureus

* Enterobacter aerogenes

* Escherichia coli O157:H7

* Pseudomonas aeruginosa and

* Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

275 copper alloys, including brass and bronze, have been registered with the US EPA as

antimicrobial materials that kill these bacteria. The materials offer a wide range of

mechanical and aesthetic properties that make them ideal for use as antibacterial

surfaces. Copper alloys are the first solid materials ever to be granted such registration.

Typically, this type of registration has been granted to liquids (or aerosols) and gases

under the categories of sanitizers and disinfectants.

Frequently-touched surfaces in healthcare and other community facilities including public

and commercial buildings can become contaminated with bacteria. Using uncoated copper

alloys can be an effective way to kill the bacteria on these surfaces.