It is now a well-established fact that making light switches from copper could help defeat antibiotic –resistant bacteria. Research studies already done have found that copper fittings rapidly kill bugs on hospital wards, succeeding where other infection control measures failed. It is believed
that the metal ‘suffocates’ germs, preventing them from breathing. It may also stop them from
feeding, and destroy their DNA. Copper can kill or inactivate a variety of pathogens by interacting with oxygen and modifying oxygen molecules. In bacteria, this disrupts the outer layer, damaging the genetic material and cell machinery, which can lead to cell death.
Centuries ago, ancient Egyptians used copper to sterilize chest wounds and drinking water. Greeks and Romans relied on copper compounds to treat burns, headaches and ear infections. It is high time we wholesomely embraced copper because of its ability to kill bacteria and other microbes on contact, which can help reduce deadly infections. Hospitals should be at the fore front in leading this embrace. Consultants and professionals involved in design of hospitals should specify use of copper fittings, and especially the light switches which are in constant use.
Antimicrobial copper-alloy (such as brass and bronze) touch surfaces can prevent frequently touched surfaces from serving as reservoirs for the spread of pathogenic microbes. They have an inherent ability to kill a wide range of harmful microbes relatively rapidly – often within two hours or less – and with a high degree of efficiency. This is especially true in healthcare facilities, where harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi colonize and persist on light switches, push plates, HVAC systems, and other equipment. These microbes can often survive on surfaces for surprisingly long periods of time (sometimes more than 30 days).
Research suggests that if touch surfaces are made with copper alloys, the reduced transmission of disease-causing organisms can reduce patient infections in hospital intensive care units (ICU) by as much as 58%.
Adding copper surfaces is bound to increase construction costs but then the long term benefits are worth it.
