Two eminent professors opened the first meeting of the Antimicrobial Copper Interest Group, hosted by the Copper Development Association (CDA) in Birmingham recently. Professor Keevil, University of Southampton, presented the results of his International Copper Association sponsored research on inactivation of E.coli and MRSA by copper and brass surfaces in a matter of hours. He was joined by Professor Reed of Northumbria University who reported on his field work in India where the antimicrobial property of copper and brass show potential for decontaminating drinking water in rural communities.
Anti-microbial copper interest group launched
The meeting was attended by copper alloy suppliers, product manufacturers and designers interested in hearing about the potential applications for hygienic copper alloy surfaces in healthcare facilities. “Physical properties of copper alloys, such as strength, ductility and hardness are comparable to other materials used in hospitals today. They also have this unique property among the non-precious metals of inactivating pathogens” said CDA’s design engineer, Ken Kempson.
“Copper alloys are suitable for all manufacturing methods and could readily be cold formed for counter tops, drawn into tube for grab rails, cot sides and drip poles and cast or forged for door handles” he added.
Touch surfaces in hospitals act as reservoirs of infection so inactivation of pathogens on these surfaces could help to reduce the risk of disease transmission and, together with other infection control and increased hygiene practices, help to reduce hospital acquired infections. Doctors’ pens are recognised as a source of contamination and delegates were handed copper pens as a reminder of copper’s antimicrobial property.