Results of international laboratory tests and clinical trails indicate that copper and copper alloys (such as brass and bronze) can help control the growth of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). An international conference focusing on this issue was held in Athens, Greece in November of 2008. Scientists from the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Greece presented evidence in support of incorporating copper surfaces into healthcare environments to help to reduce infection risk as a method to protect public health.

The U.S. Copper Development Association (CDA) is leading international efforts in this area of research. CDA has registered copper and copper alloys as antimicrobial agents with the Environmental Protection Agency. Independent laboratory tests demonstrated that copper, brass, and bronze were 99.9 percent effective in killing certain disease-causing bacteria, including. CDA has also initiated clinical trials to compare the amount of bacteria on stainless steel, plastic and aluminum surfaces in intensive care units with that the amount of bacteria found on the same surfaces made with antimicrobial copper alloys. CDA proposes that copper alloys can lessen both cross-contamination and infection rates. The clinical trials are funded by the U.S. Department of Defense under the Telemedicine and Advanced technologies Research Center.

Source: Medical NewsTODAY. January 6, 2009. International Copper Industry Defines Role In The Fight Against Hospital Infections. Available athttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/134436.php. Accessed on January 22, 2009.