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Introduction
For many years, and for many applications, copper has long been recognized as an antimicrobial material, used as fungicides, anti-biofouling treatments, and for many other similar purposes. In short, it has been well-recognized that copper inhibits the growth of harmful pathogens - bacteria, moulds, algae, fungi and viruses. More recently, this largely anecdotal awareness has been investigated in many regions of the world, using the highest-standard laboratory and testing protocols.
The library below is a selection of papers that discuss much of this testing, the US Environmental Protection Agency registration obtained by the Copper Development Association (US) in 2008, and the use of copper surfaces in some applications to minimize and assist in the control of harmful bacteria and pathogens.
PDFs Available:
Antimicrobial surfaces and their potential in reducing the role of the inanimate environment in the incidence of hospital-acquired infections
Antimicrobial efficacy of copper surfaces against spores and vegetative cells of Clostridium difficile: the germination theory
Copper Alloys for Human Infectious Disease Control
Potential for preventing spread of fungi in air-conditioning systems constructed using copper instead of aluminium
Role of copper in reducing hospital environment contamination
Potential use of copper surfaces to reduce survival of epidemic meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the healthcare environment
Effects of temperature and humidity on the efficacy of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus challenged antimicrobial materials containing silver and copper
Inactivation of Influenza A Virus on Copper versus Stainless Steel Surfaces
Copper for Preventing Microbial Environmental Contamination
Practical Aspects of Reducing Bioburden with Copper: Clinical Case Study: Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham
Microbial Burden of Objects in ICU Rooms
Use of Copper Cast Alloys To Control Escherichia coli O157 Cross-Contamination during Food Processing
Articles Available:
The survival of Escherichia coli O157 on a range of metal surfaces
Survival of Clostridium difficile on copper and steel: futuristic options for hospital hygiene
Antimicrobial efficacy of copper touch surfaces in reducing environmental bioburden in a South African community healthcare facility
Antimicrobial Properties of Copper Alloy Surfaces, with a Focus on Hospital-Acquired Infections
The Antimicrobial Properties of Copper Alloys and Their Potential Applications
Anti-Microbial Characteristics of Copper - Harold T. Michels |
