Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections?
Pathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infectio...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-06-01
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| Series: | Materials |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/13/3444 |
| _version_ | 1797529318096633856 |
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| author | Joji Abraham Kim Dowling Singarayer Florentine |
| author_facet | Joji Abraham Kim Dowling Singarayer Florentine |
| author_sort | Joji Abraham |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Pathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infection control has not, as yet, been achieved. However, based on traditional use in many cultures, the introduction of copper products and surfaces to significantly and positively retard pathogen transmission invites further investigation. For example, many microbes are rendered unviable upon contact exposure to copper or copper alloys, either immediately or within a short time. In addition, many disease-causing bacteria such as <i>E. coli</i> O157:H7, hospital superbugs, and several viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) are also susceptible to exposure to copper surfaces. It is thus suggested that replacing common touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places (including public transport) with copper or alloys of copper may substantially contribute to limiting transmission. Subsequent hospital admissions and mortality rates will consequently be lowered, with a concomitant saving of lives and considerable levels of resources. This consideration is very significant in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming epidemics, as it is becoming clear that all forms of possible infection control measures should be practiced in order to protect community well-being and promote healthy outcomes. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T10:12:06Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d7349fd6c5b34908ae346934bbd3da44 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1944 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T10:12:06Z |
| publishDate | 2021-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Materials |
| spelling | doaj.art-d7349fd6c5b34908ae346934bbd3da442023-11-22T01:08:00ZengMDPI AGMaterials1996-19442021-06-011413344410.3390/ma14133444Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections?Joji Abraham0Kim Dowling1Singarayer Florentine2School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Mt Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC 3353, AustraliaSchool of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences, Mt Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC 3353, AustraliaFuture Regions Research Centre, School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University Australia, Mt Helen Campus, Ballarat, VIC 3353, AustraliaPathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infection control has not, as yet, been achieved. However, based on traditional use in many cultures, the introduction of copper products and surfaces to significantly and positively retard pathogen transmission invites further investigation. For example, many microbes are rendered unviable upon contact exposure to copper or copper alloys, either immediately or within a short time. In addition, many disease-causing bacteria such as <i>E. coli</i> O157:H7, hospital superbugs, and several viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) are also susceptible to exposure to copper surfaces. It is thus suggested that replacing common touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places (including public transport) with copper or alloys of copper may substantially contribute to limiting transmission. Subsequent hospital admissions and mortality rates will consequently be lowered, with a concomitant saving of lives and considerable levels of resources. This consideration is very significant in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming epidemics, as it is becoming clear that all forms of possible infection control measures should be practiced in order to protect community well-being and promote healthy outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/13/3444coronavirusCOVID-19 pandemichealth careinfection controlmicrobial infections |
| spellingShingle | Joji Abraham Kim Dowling Singarayer Florentine Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections? Materials coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic health care infection control microbial infections |
| title | Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections? |
| title_full | Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections? |
| title_fullStr | Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections? |
| title_full_unstemmed | Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections? |
| title_short | Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections? |
| title_sort | can copper products and surfaces reduce the spread of infectious microorganisms and hospital acquired infections |
| topic | coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic health care infection control microbial infections |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/13/3444 |
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