Introduction to Antimicrobial Copper Alloys

Antimicrobial copper alloys supplement good hygienic practices by killing bacteria* on frequently touched surfaces in between cleanings.

Copper alloys are solid metal materials registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continuously kill more than 99.9% of bacteria* that cause healthcare-associated infections within two hours of contact, when cleaned regularly.

Science supporting the EPA registration has proven antimicrobial copper alloys to be highly effective* touch surface materials and has sparked a global campaign advocating the use of these materials to supplement conventional infection control practices in healthcare facilities, mass transit, educational institutions and beyond.

Three main characteristics make antimicrobial copper alloys highly effective* touch surface materials:

Continuously kills bacteria*

  • Efficacy as an antimicrobial is proven far more effective than stainless steel
  • Proven to continuously kill the bacteria* that cause infections
  • The only solid metal antimicrobial touch surfaces registered by EPA

Never wears out

  • Continuous and ongoing antimicrobial action
  • Remains effective even after repeated wet & dry abrasion and re-contamination
  • Natural tarnishing does not impair efficacy

Safe to use

  • Not harmful to people or the environment
  • Inherently antimicrobial, no chemicals added
  • Completely recyclable

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*Laboratory testing shows that, when cleaned regularly, antimicrobial copper surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of the following bacteria within 2 hours of exposure: MRSA, VRE, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli O157:H7. Antimicrobial copper surfaces are a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices and have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but do not necessarily prevent cross contamination or infections; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices.

All content on this website is intended for the U.S. market and audiences only.