Congressional Funds Awarded for Testing of Antimicrobial Cop...( U.S. Dept. of Defense Continues St...),Health

U.S. Dept. of Defense Continues Study of Copper as Effective Means of Reducing Hospital-Acquired Infections and Improving Indoor Air Quality

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressionally appropriated funds to continue clinical trails determining the antimicrobial effectiveness of copper, brass and bronze have been awarded to the Copper Development Association, announced CDA President Andrew G. Kireta Sr.

Of the two studies funded by these appropriations, one is focused on the ability of copper alloy surfaces to kill deadly pathogens and impede cross-contamination. The monies will be used to complete the pilot conversion of touch surfaces in healthcare facilities in New York City and Charleston, South Carolina, where extensive clinical trials have begun.

The other, which follows the same premise, is designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of copper components in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in reducing the incidence of harmful microbes that spread throughout buildings and other indoor air environments.

Since these studies began, the increasing concern over microbial growth on common touch surfaces has moved beyond healthcare facilities and into the community. In fact, recent cases have been diagnosed in students at many schools across the country.

According to Dr. Harold Michels, vice president of Technical and Information Services for CDA and the studies' principal investigator, "This decision allows the trials to move into the next, critical phase of study. We fully expect our work will demonstrate that the utilization of antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces will be an effective weapon in the battle against hospital- and community-acquired infections and, when used in conjunction with good clinical hygiene, will help greatly to reduce the spread of certain virulent, antibiotic-resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli O157:H7."