Antimicrobial Trials

Aurubis is the leading supplier of antimicrobial copper and copper alloys

Aurubis is working with the Copper Development Association and the Healthcare industry to develop products that help reduce the spread of harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses.

It is has now been proved that copper and certain copper alloys have an antimicrobial effect. This means that the copper surface will kill or render inactive many different types of harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses within a 2-hour period, including species of:
· MRSA
· Salmonella
· E.Coli
· Listeria

Last year in America, the Environmental Protection Agency recognised this beneficial effect of certain copper and copper alloys by registering these materials under the EPA which allows the proven public health claims to be cited.

Clinical trials have been carried out in a busy medical ward at Selly Oak hospital Birmingham from March 2007 on “frequently touched” surfaces and remarkable results were recorded.

On copper based items such as taps, door push plates, grab rails and bed tables, there was a reduction in contamination of between 90% and 100% compared to the standard control surfaces. Aurubis UK provided some of the materials that were used in these trials.