Copper may kill 95% of superbugs and deadly bacteria

The bacteria fighting elements of copper may help to reduce the spread of deadly superbugs in hospitals and clinical environments.

The results were discovered after a 10 week trial ay Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where a set of taps, toilet seat and push plate on a door in a medical ward were replaced with copper version.

They were swabbed twice a day and compared with existing fittings, and it was found that the copper fittings had 95% less bacteria and germs than the existing ones.

Experts hope that it may help to prevent the spread of deadly superbugs, such as MRSA and C.Difficile, as well as the flu virus and E Coli, and may succeed where other infection control measures have failed.

MRSA is often passed on through infected surfaces and 300,000 patients pick up infections every year in the UK, resulting in 5,000 deaths (National Audit Office).

Although cases of MRSA and C.Difficile are falling, combining hand washing, sterilisation of surgical instruments and deep cleaning of wards with copper fittings could help to further reduce the spread of deadly bacteria.

Take a look at our range of hygiene and cleaning products, including disinfectants, face masks, protective clothing and disposable gloves.

Our recommended cleaning products include Hibiscrub, Hibisol, Gigasept FF, Ebiox Trionic, Guest Hand Wash and Guest Hand Rub, Hydex Derma, Silvatec Soap, and Essence Hand Rub and Essence Hand Wash.

Chlorine and hydrogen peroxide cleaning agents have an immediate effect, but they are not long lasting like copper.

Copper is common in antiseptic and antifungal creams, and is also used by arthritis sufferers because of its anti-inflammatory elements.

The healing powers of copper were even used thousands of years ago by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to treat wounds.

Bacteria is unable to survive on the metal, as it suffocates the germs and prevents them from breathing, it may also stop them feeding and even destroy their DNA.

The findings may mean that hospitals and clinical environments could replace door handles, taps, light switches and toilet seats with copper versions to limit the spread of bacteria.