Are you aware that copper inactivates MRSA bacteria in
90 minutes?

If you want to find out more then you are invited to attend the inaugural meeting of the Antimicrobial Copper Interest Group to hear the latest information on research, in-situ trials and to discuss product development. There will be plenty of opportunity for networking with architects, designers, healthcare professionals and manufacturers, and a discussion forum to facilitate the introduction of copper surfaces into healthcare facilities to help combat hospital-acquired infections.

Copper is naturally antimicrobial, a property that has been known since the dawn of civilisation and, in the last 100 years, scientifically proven. Latest research from the University of Southampton demonstrates that copper totally inactivates MRSA, the hospital superbug, in just 45 minutes. This represents a reduction in live bacteria of log 7 i.e. from 10,000,000 to zero, outperforming antimicrobial coatings whose best performance is claimed to be a log 2 i.e 100 to zero reduction in 2 hours. Copper has been shown to have similar effects for other pathogens, such as Listeria monocytogenes and E.coli.

Stainless steel, aluminium and plastic surfaces, conventionally used in healthcare environments, might look clean but research has shown that they actually harbour germs for days, even months. This research indicates that, in healthcare environments, copper surfaces could help to reduce reservoirs of infection and therefore cross-contamination. The installation of copper door handles, push plates, switches, handrails, worktops, washbasin taps etc, could be a simple 'fit and forget' step towards 'designing and engineering out infection' to complement hand washing, isolation and other infection control measures. Copper products do not require expensive and limited-lifetime coatings. Copper and its alloys are durable, recyclable, come in a range of product forms and colours, and are well suited to a multitude of manufacturing processes.

Further information on this event can be found at:

Seminar Programme
Reply form
Antimicrobial properties

Kind regards.
Gareth

Gareth Price
Copper Development Association
www.copperinfo.co.uk/antimicrobial

Copper Connects Life