Copper/Brass Surfaces Are Natural Disinfectants

Research

There is evidence suggesting that the use of copper and brass for surfaces could reduce nosocomial infection in healthcare settings and reduce the spread of food-based pathogens in kitchens and restaurants due to the naturally antimicrobial properties of the materials:

Brass and Copper Fixtures Such as This Door Handle Could Naturally Lower Nosocomial Infection Rates in Hospitals

“[S]mall strips of stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and copper were inoculated with broths of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus group D, and Pseudomonas species… Then the strips were… inoculated onto blood agar plates, and incubated for 24 hours. The results were striking. The copper and brass showed little or no growth, while the aluminum and stainless steel produced a heavy growth of all microbes. Brass disinfected itself in seven hours or less… freshly scoured brass disinfecting itself in one hour. Copper disinfected itself of some microbes within 15 minutes. Aluminum and stainless steel produced heavy growths of all isolates after eight days and growths of most isolates (except Pseudomonas) when I ended that part of my investigation after three weeks.”

UPDATE – 05.05.10 – There is a great article published today focusing on the design of a comprehensive copper surfacing system for healthcare environments featured on Core77 that you must check out!

Implications

This research provides strong support for specifying copper fixtures and surfaces where contamination could be an issue, primarily in healthcare and food-service environments. Certain manufacturers are already responding to these studies creating lines for common contact surfaces such as grab bars, handles, switches, and bathroom accessories.

Citation

Phyllis J. Kuhn, Ph.D. Doorknobs: A Source of Nosocomial Infection?