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U.S. EPA Approves Registration of Antimicrobial Copper Alloys
NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the registration of antimicrobial copper alloys, with public health claims. These public health claims acknowledge that copper, brass and bronze are capable of killing harmful, potentially deadly bacteria. Copper is the first solid surface material to receive this type of EPA registration, which is supported by extensive
antimicrobial efficacy testing.
Te EPA registration is based on independent laboratory testing using EPA-prescribed protocols that demonstrate the metal's ability to kill specific disease-causing bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is one of the most virulent strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a common cause of hospital and community-acquired infections.
Testing under EPA-approved protocols demonstrates that copper, brass and bronzes are effective against a number of disease-causing bacteria. For example, one study shows that on copper alloy surfaces, greater than 99.9% of MRSA "superbugs" are killed within two hours at room temperature.
The following statements are included in the registration: "When cleaned regularly, antimicrobial copper alloys' surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of (specific) bacteria within two hours, and continue to kill more than 99% of (these) bacteria even after repeated contamination," and "The use of a copper alloy surface is a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control
practices; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices related to cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces. The copper alloy surface
material has been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but it does not necessarily prevent cross contamination.'
Widely publicised statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate infections acquired in U.S. hospitals affect two million individuals every year and result in nearly
100,000 deaths annually. The use of copper alloys for frequently touched surfaces, as a supplement to existing CDC-prescribed hand-washing and disinfection regimens, has far-reaching implications.
Potential users, that include door and furniture hardware, bed rails, intravenous (IV) stands, dispensers, faucets, sinks and work stations, can help reduce the amount of disease-causing bacteria in patient rooms.
Unlike coatings or other materials treatments, the antibacterial efficacy of copper metals won't wear away: they can offer solid, long-term protection. Discussions are ongoing with major hospital equipment manufacturers about the development of appropriate copper-based products.
For additional information about antimicrobial copper, please visit CDA here.
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Read more about:
1. EPA Registration - Approved Public Health Claims
2. Anti-Microbial Characteristics of Copper [PDF 4mb]
3. Lowering Infection Rates in Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
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The Copper Development Association is the information, education, market and technical development arm of the copper, brass and bronze industries in the USA. CDA is a member of the International Copper Association, LTD. network.
