Copper Effective At Stopping Spread of Germs, Microbes, Pathogens

The need to prevent the spread of germs has always been a major concern. Research indicates that a copper surface is more effective at preventing the spread of germs than stainless steel. Copper has a 2000 year history of antimicrobial applications in a multitude of cultures. More recent research has sought to determine uncoated copper's effectiveness in stemming the proliferation of infectious disease. At the University of Southampton in the U.K. research studies have shown that many common disease causing microbes such as  E. coli, Aspergillus niger (black mold) and Influenza A, die within hours on copper surfaces. The Influenza A family of viruses includes the problematic Avian flu and swine flu strains and copper can help contain outbreak of these flus. Even deadly antibiotic resistant bacteria associated with infections such as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) die within 1.5 hours on pure copper surfaces. On stainless steel and plastics, typically used for food-processing hardware, pathogens survived unabated for days, sometimes for more than 30 days.

There is enough solid evidence to put man’s oldest metal, copper, to work throughout the world to help protect us from infectious disease, including all strains of Influenza A, the "flu". Tested copper alloys, such as brass or bronze also offer increased protection over non-copper containing materials such as stainless steel, painted surfaces, wood and plastics, although not nearly as effective as pure copper surfaces.

Some fairly common and obvious uses in the home for copper products include copper kitchen sinks, bathroom copper sinks, copper bar sinks, food prep sinks, copper basin, copper vanity sinks, copper door knobs, copper handles, copper range hoods, copper planters, copper pot racks, copper bowls, copper sheeting or tiles for countertops & sink backsplashes, copper wall plates & switches, copper light canopies, copper ceiling fans, copper cookware, etc. There are germ killing copper facades available for refrigerators, dishwashers, freezers, ice-makers, ovens and ranges. There are copper-plated kitchen appliances, copper vases, copper sculptures, copper accent pieces, even copper flowers, etc.

For more detailed health information regarding the necessity of copper in the human diet and medicinal purposes, I will heartily recommend starting out with these two excellent articles: Copper and Human Health and Copper in Human Health.