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As we reflect on this years Global pandemic we think about our health, our loved ones and the environment in which we work and live. You may not be aware of coppers incredible antimicrobial properties and how many are replacing their handles and surfaces to benefit their health.
Millions of people are affected by viruses and diseases worldwide each year, leading to significant mortality and financial losses for our economy and health systems.
Infections such as Covid-19 are caused by microbes that thrive on objects people touch every day. Despite aggressive hand-washing campaigns and routine cleaning and disinfection, infection rates remain unacceptably high and more needs to be done to lower the risk of acquiring an infection and improving our safety.
This could be achieved by replacing fittings with antimicrobial copper products, as part of contemporary hospital architecture, interiors and design, can supplement current infection control practices.
It is scientifically proven to be a fast acting antimicrobial surface, continuous and ongoing action even after re-contamination. Copper is sustainable, safe to use and not harmful to our beautiful planet, and most of all it's colour is beautiful and stylish.
If copper is naturally antibacterial then how does it work?
Scientists have proven that bacteria on copper surfaces will not survive for long!
On a microscopic level the bacterial membrane will quickly rupture causing cells to weaken and loose vital nutrients and eventually vanish.
Copper in it's natural state exhibits impressive antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties whereas other materials such as wood, plastic and stainless steel can harbour pathogens responsible for causing infections.
Has the effectiveness of antimicrobial copper been proven?
Copper is the only solid metal touch surface to have efficacy data independently verified through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) public health registration, which supports its claim to continuously kill more than 99.9% of the bacteria that cause Global Diseases, within two hours of contact when cleaned regularly.
Tests carried out in healthcare facilities by swabbing touch surfaces have shown that a heavy growth in bacteria on stainless steel surfaces even though they looked cleaner and brass and copper surfaces showed little to no harmful microbes.
The National Institute of Health has conducted research, and results have shown that the Coronavirus germ stays alive (and transferrable) for the following lengths of time:
Does the copper have to be pure for it to have an antibacterial effect?
Yes copper must be of a pure grade and must be left untreated.
Proper Copper Design crafts most of it's products including copper hardware, copper taps and showers from 99.9% pure grade copper which has strong antimicrobial qualities and will gradually tarnish if left in a Natural Copper finish.
Brass is an alloy of copper and so it also benefits from having the oligodynamic effect,the result of which it's metal ions have a toxic effect on moulds, spores, viruses, and other living cells.
Is copper-plating and treated copper antimicrobial?
As you need direct contact with the surface for this to work our satin lacquered finish in which we treat the copper with layers of marine lacquer to protect its shine.
While copper coatings (plating) on other metals may initially display antimicrobial characteristics, they are susceptible to wear and tear which may reduce the effectiveness.
If you would like more information about our finishes then please see Our Finishes page.
Where is copper being used for it's antimicrobial properties?
The 2012 and 2014 champions of the National Hockey League have helped address possible surface contamination on their equipment by electing to install Black Iron Strength's high quality CuVerro antimicrobial copper surface gym equipment. The equipment installed within the facility included items such as bar and dumb bells as well as machine attachments.
In the Department of Defense-funded US trials, carried out in ICU rooms at three hospitals, the aim was to not only determine the efficacy of antimicrobial copper in reducing the level of pathogens, but whether such a reduction would translate into a lower rate of infection.
Researchers at the three hospitals involved in the trial—Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, the Medical University of South Caroline and the Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center, both in Charleston, South Carolina—replaced commonly touched items such as bed rails, over-bed tray tables, toilet facilities, nurse call buttons and IV poles, with antimicrobial copper versions.
Rooms with copper surfaces demonstrated an 83% reduction in average microbial bioburden compared to controls, better than the level achieved by 'terminal' cleaning: the regimen conducted after each patient vacates a room.
Furthermore, the initial results demonstrated that the use of antimicrobial copper surfaces in intensive care unit rooms resulted in a 58% reduction in the risk of acquiring a hospital infection.
Where would be the best places to fit copper in my home or business?
If you have any ideas for a product that you would like to see on the market or you have a bespoke request then please get in touch with our team, team@propercopperdesign.com .
What benefits does copper have for your health?
Our connection to copper dates back to prehistoric times in which it was worked on by the hand of early man and used as spearheads or formed into jewelry.
Copper was known as the healing metal across early civilizations, using it to enhance energy and cleanse both the body and mind. In particular the metal is known to help you spiritually with inner-vision, channeling, self esteem and optimism.
Copper is often used to detoxify, whether this is by simply purifying the water in your bath or being worn on your body to help alleviate rheumatic or circulation problems.
What type of industries would benefit from switching to copper?
First and foremost copper would be best suited to be used in Hospitals but other ideal locations include care homes, spa resorts, offices, airports and gyms.
Copper could be integrated into our modern day transport systems such as airports, trains and buses.
We hope to see these changes rolled out across public spaces in the future but for now these changes can be made in our everyday lives by replacing handles, surfaces and everyday objects at home and in shared spaces where transmission of infection could occur.
We will also be on hand to help you with your bespoke requests be that for modifying a product that we already sell, making surfaces from sheet metal or any other custom idea.
Thanks to our references..
A greener and more sustainable future rely on copper. We believe sustainable development offers a way to do business that respects people and the planet.
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