Did you know that copper and it’s alloys have germ killing characteristics? Let’s put this in perspective and what it means to society. Every year 7 million people are effected by bacterial pathogens acquired in healthcare facilities. Most touch surfaces ( door knobs, bed rails, faucet levers, etc.) are made of stainless steel. Stainless is inert, meaning it does nothing to effect the lifespan of bacteria. It has been found that bacteria can live and even thrive for weeks if not months on these surfaces. In laborotory experiments it has been proven that copper begins killing bacteria almost immediately. The EPA states the following:
* Laboratory testing shows that, when cleaned regularly, Antimicrobial Copper™ kills greater than 99.9% of the following bacteria within 2 hours of exposure: MRSA, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli O157:H7. Antimicrobial Copper surfaces are a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices. Just like other antimicrobial products, they have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but do not necessarily prevent cross contamination; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices. Michels et al, Lett Appl Microbiol, 49 (2009) 191-195 demonstrated that Antimicrobial Copper™ outperforms two commercially available silver-containing coatings under typical indoor conditions.
Let this be the beginning of what could change not only the future of healthcare as we know it, but improve the overall quality of life for everyone by making hospitals, public venues and even our own homes cleaner and healthier environments. Bear Creek Bronze is currently seeking the registration required to produce, promote and supply products with the aforementioned health related benefits through the EPA along with the assistance of numerous individuals as well.
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