Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
In the battle against pandemics, one material that could go a long way toward reducing infections and preventing the spread of pathogens has been largely overlooked.
It’s so effective that we would be remiss not to make greater use of it.
No one disputes that copper and copper alloys like brass have antimicrobial properties — that the coronavirus cannot survive on copper surfaces the way it can on stainless steel and aluminum used for doorknobs and other fixtures.
The coronavirus can live on most hard surfaces for a week or more. But when the virus ends up on copper or brass, it starts dying almost immediately, and is undetectable within hours.
Copper doesn’t need chemicals for sterilization. It sterilizes itself. Copper kills the coronavirus, influenza, antibiotic-resistant bacterial staphs and other superbugs. It is for this reason that most pipes bringing water into homes are made with copper.
Copper fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens were once commonplace. During the industrial revolution, copper was widely used for plumbing and cookware and cooking utensils. Doorknobs were made with copper. The use of copper and brass in homes actually boomed.
But over the years architects and designers opted for sleeker-looking — and cheaper — metals, plastic and tempered glass.
Today, many hospitals still make use of copper for beds, railings, IV stands, doorknobs, elevator buttons and other widely touched surfaces. Healthcare studies show that the use of copper in hospitals saves lives.
A study done by the Defense Department compared infection rates at three hospitals and found that when copper alloys were used, infection rates were reduced by 58%.
Another study of pediatric intensive care units showed a similar result.
But copper’s value in the face of pandemics has not gotten the attention it deserves, and it becomes obvious once you think about it.
The United States has ample copper resources to meet an increase in demand for copper. Most of the nation’s copper mines are in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Montana.
Copper production could be ramped up fairly rapidly. Now is the time — past due time — to bring copper back.
Jim Constantopoulos is a geology professor at Eastern New Mexico University. Contact him at:
