Green builders Antimicrobial Effectiveness Of Copper Metals–A Timely Study For Builders And Remodelers

U. S. Dept. of Defense Continues Study of Copper as Effective Means of Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infection and Improving Indoor Air Quality

(HIT) - Two studies funded by congressionally appropriated funds will continue clinical trials by the Copper Development Association, to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness of copper, brass and bronze on reducing hospital-acquired infections and improving air quality.

The first study, according to CDA President Andrew G. Kireta Sr., is focused on the ability of copper alloy surfaces to kill deadly pathogens and impede cross-contamination. The monies will be used to complete the pilot conversion of touch surfaces in healthcare facilities in New York City and Charleston, South Carolina, where extensive clinical trials have begun. The other, which follows the same premise, is designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of copper components in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in reducing the incidence of harmful microbes that spread throughout buildings and other indoor air environments.

The Copper Development Association is the information, education, market and technical development arm of the copper, brass and bronze industries in the USA.

Since these studies began, the increasing concern over microbial growth on common touch surfaces has moved beyond healthcare facilities and into the community. In fact, recent cases have been diagnosed in students at many schools across the country.

According to Harold Michels, PhD., P.E., Vice President of Technology and Technical Services for CDA and the studies’ principal investigator, "This critical phase of study is expected to demonstrate that the utilization of antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces will be an effective weapon in the battle against hospital- and community-acquired infections and, when used in conjunction with good clinical hygiene, will help greatly to reduce the spread of certain virulent, antibiotic-resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli O157:H7."

The touch surface trials follow peer-reviewed research conducted at the University of Southampton in the U.K. proving copper, brass and bronze can quickly and efficiently eradicate several different pathogens, and will determine how well natural copper, brass and bronze surfaces mitigate infectious microbes, decrease cross-contamination and ultimately help reduce infections in hospitalized patients.

The companion study compares copper air-conditioning system components, including heat exchangers and drip pans, with components made of aluminum as to their ability to control the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.

Additional information can be found on the association website at www.copper.org.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center