Antimicrobial effect of copper surfaces

The impact of copper surfaces has been found to have a ‘halo’ effect on surrounding non-copper materials, helping to reduce the presence of bacteria in healthcare environments, new research has found.

Several studies have been published during 2012 showed the efficacy of copper and copper alloys in reducing, or in some cases completely eradicating, bacteria on key touch surfaces in hospitals.

Further research carried out in the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) at Aghia Sofia Children’s Hospital in Greece shows that, as well as contamination being 90% lower on copper surfaces, they also exert a ‘halo’ effect, with non-copper surfaces up to 50cm away also exhibiting a reduction of around 70% compared to surfaces not in such close proximity.

For further details, see Cleanroom Technology.

Posted by Tim Sandle