How Does Self Sanitizing Copper Work?
As people search for ways to lessen the spread of COVID-19, many things are being tried, including antimicrobial materials such as copper. Yes, copper does have antimicrobial properties that have been proven to kill bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.
Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can live for days on plastic and metal surfaces but starts to break down within minutes of contact with copper. One study, in particular, compared copper with stainless steel, which doesn’t have antimicrobial properties, by placing bacteria on each to see what would happen. After nine minutes, most of the bacteria on the copper had died.
This is a great testament to the antimicrobial properties of copper, but its benefits shine brightest when combined with general best practices. This especially applies when talking about, often-touched surfaces, like doors. Regular cleaning protocols should still be followed to ensure as safe an environment as possible. That said, copper surfaces are much better than other materials at controlling the spread of germs, making them an essential tool in a variety of different public settings. Let’s take a closer look to see what, exactly, copper is doing.
How It Works
When a bacteria or virus comes in direct contact with copper ions, it begins to die. Copper has a free electron that makes it a “molecular oxygen grenade.” This free electron is able to be part of what is known as oxidation-reduction reactions, which also happens to make it a good conductor of electricity. But that’s not copper’s only weapon.
When a bacteria or virus lands on copper, copper ions attack it, preventing cell respiration and poking holes in the outer surface of the germ while also creating free radicals to speed up the germ’s death.
Additionally, copper ions also destroy the RNA and DNA in the bacteria or virus, which stops the sort of mutations responsible for creating drug-resistant variants.
This doesn’t just work on newly installed copper, either. Tarnished copper retains its antimicrobial properties, and copper surfaces that have been in place for a hundred years or more will still be effective at killing germs.
Over 43 months, it was found that using copper alloy surfaces in hospitals on a variety of surfaces, such as bed rails, tray tables, and chair armrests, led to a 58% reduction in infections.
Another study found that copper beds in hospitals were far less germ-infested than the more common plastic hospital beds.
While these surfaces still need careful cleaning, they can contribute to a reduction in the spread of infection.
When a bacteria or virus lands on copper, copper ions attack it, preventing cell respiration and poking holes in the outer surface of the germ while also creating free radicals to speed up the germ’s death.
Additionally, copper ions also destroy the RNA and DNA in the bacteria or virus, which stops the sort of mutations responsible for creating drug-resistant variants.
This doesn’t just work on newly installed copper, either. Tarnished copper retains its antimicrobial properties, and copper surfaces that have been in place for a hundred years or more will still be effective at killing germs.
Over 43 months, it was found that using copper alloy surfaces in hospitals on a variety of surfaces, such as bed rails, tray tables, and chair armrests, led to a 58% reduction in infections.
Another study found that copper beds in hospitals were far less germ-infested than the more common plastic hospital beds.
While these surfaces still need careful cleaning, they can contribute to a reduction in the spread of infection.
How To Use Copper To Kill Germs
There are several ways to take advantage of copper’s properties, most of which involve placing copper coating on often-touched surfaces
Door Handles
Cover door handles with retrofit copper patches or copper film
Place copper patches on push doors
Chair Armrests
Place copper covers over armrests
Handrails and Gas Pumps
Wrap the gas pump or handrail with a copper patch
Cover handrails with copper adhesive patches
As we’ve seen, copper is an effective component to an antimicrobial action plan. It works far better than more common materials to keep areas germ-free. It also lasts a long time, working to kill germs as long as it’s in place. Coptek Copper Covers are the only Health Canada certified adhesive solution. Order a sample pack today and start creating a safer environment.
Door Handles
Cover door handles with retrofit copper patches or copper film
Place copper patches on push doors
Chair Armrests
Place copper covers over armrests
Handrails and Gas Pumps
Wrap the gas pump or handrail with a copper patch
Cover handrails with copper adhesive patches
As we’ve seen, copper is an effective component to an antimicrobial action plan. It works far better than more common materials to keep areas germ-free. It also lasts a long time, working to kill germs as long as it’s in place. Coptek Copper Covers are the only Health Canada certified adhesive solution. Order a sample pack today and start creating a safer environment.
