Costs to Human Health
―3 Copper Like silver, the antimicrobial properties of copper have been
Researchers continue to study copper-based antimicrobials
known for centuries, and like silver, it is the ions the metal
in laboratory settings to ascertain the limits to their
releases that give it those properties. Its medical use as an
applications. A 2016 Health Care Without Harm review
agent of microbial control began after observing that those
of these studies concluded that, while copper alloy touch
who worked with copper appeared to be immune from
surfaces reduce microbial populations in lab tests, the only
cholera during outbreaks in the 1800s. Laboratory testing
study yet to provide evidence that these surfaces result in
has demonstrated that copper, and metal alloys containing
reduced rates of infection has been disputed as showing “a
copper, are effective against some bacteria, yeasts, and
low quality of evidence.” Likewise, “the antimicrobial efficacy
viruses.42 The Copper Development Association, a trade
of textiles containing copper...can vary considerably and
association for copper manufacturers, has registered six
interpretation of results of laboratory testing is subjective.”46
copper alloys with the EPA to be used as antimicrobials in touch surfaces—railings, door hardware, etc.43 Copper can also be incorporated into polymers to provide an antimicrobial effect in non-metallic items.44 Sanitaryware coatings containing copper claim to “suppress[es] the growth of algae, mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria which cause unpleasant odors, discoloration, staining, deterioration or corrosion.”45 Such coatings can be used on bathroom fixtures or in ceramic tiles.
...while copper alloy touch surfaces reduce microbial populations in lab tests, the only study yet to provide evidence that these surfaces result in reduced rates of infection has been disputed as showing “a low quality of evidence.”
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