An innovation in antimicrobial surfaces is the discovery that copper and its alloys (brass, bronze, etc. ) are natural antimicrobial materials which have the inherent properties of destroying a wide range of microorganisms.

How to get rid of viruses and bacteria in your home

One of the tested metals that exhibits antimicrobial properties < / strong> is well known silver . Its use is well documented. Another great metal that can fight a variety of microorganisms on its surface is copper . As humanity, we knew about it and used this property in antiquity , but now we have probably forgotten a bit. Copper's antimicrobial mechanisms have been studied for decades, and they are still there, as we still have a lot to learn from it. We would like to present some of them as an important curiosity.

Recent clinical studies show that hygienic copper touch surfaces can reduce the risk of clinical infections by up to 58%. By using our raw copper handles, you are guaranteed the best protection against unwanted microorganisms.

We also remind you that copper is an important element in the diet of humans and other living organisms . According to the World Health Organization (WHO) nutritional recommendations, the adult copper requirement is on average 1-2 mg. Fortunately, we can get copper from many products. Dark chocolate, leafy vegetables, legumes, lentils, nuts, organ meats (liver, kidney) and all crustaceans contain copper and are good for your health.

Copper and copper alloy surfaces are effective in preventing the growth of bacteria. The following microorganisms were taken into account in the EPA tests: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, golden staphylococcus (MRSA), Escherichia coli 0157: H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and others. Over 355 copper alloys have been found:

• Constantly reduce bacterial contamination, achieving a 99.9% reduction within two hours of exposure; < / span>

• Kill over 99.9% of bacteria within two hours of exposure; < / strong>

• Provides continuous antimicrobial activity, remaining effective in killing over 99.9% of bacteria within two hours ;

• Inhibit accumulation and growth of bacteria within two hours of exposure between cleaning and disinfection steps. < / span>

In medical applications, EPA-approved antimicrobial copper products include handrails, handrails, over-the-bed tables, sinks , taps, door handles, toilet equipment, computer keyboards and much more.

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Copper and brass with the best antimicrobial killer

The antimicrobial effectiveness of copper alloy tactile surfaces has been confirmed in numerous studies. Copper alloy surfaces have specific properties to destroy a wide variety of microorganisms.

In the interest of protecting public health, especially in medical environments carried out in the last 10 Over the years, numerous tests have been carried out on the effectiveness of copper killing E. coli O157: H7, methicillin, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus, Clostridium difficile, influenza A virus, adenovirus and fungi. Stainless steel has also been studied as it is an important surface material in today's healthcare environments.

Recent studies have shown that copper alloy surfaces kill over 99, 9% of microorganisms after just 1-2 hours. On stainless steel surfaces, the microbes can survive for weeks.

For the most part, the bacterial kill rate of copper alloys increased as the copper content of the alloy increased.

Brass , which was often used to make handles and handles < In the past, it also shows bactericidal efficacy, but over a slightly longer period of time than pure copper. All nine tested brass were almost completely bactericidal (more than 99.9% mortality) at 20 ° C for 60–270 minutes. Many of them were almost completely bactericidal at 4 ° C - it took 180-360 minutes.

Total microbial death rate on four tested bronzes ranged from 50-270 minutes at 20 ° C and from 180 to 270 minutes at 4 ° C.

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Copper and brass fight fungi

The antifungal efficacy of copper was compared to that of aluminum. For this purpose, the organisms that can cause infections in humans were selected: Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. An increased extinction of fungal spores on copper surfaces was found, which was not found, for example, in aluminum. In the case of Aspergillus niger, there was an increase in spores in the aluminum coupons and growth in and around the copper coupons was inhibited.