Biocidal Mechanisms of Metallic Copper Surfaces - Use of Biocidal Surfaces for Reduction of Healthcare Acquired Infections - page 130

Hospitals and other public places are expected to benefit from these natural
antimicrobial properties of metallic copper which quickly inactivate microbes.
Moreover, use of such materials is expected to have only low probability of
emergence of resistance due to DNA degradation in the killing process. From the
practical point of view, these surfaces are easy to apply and can also be adjusted to
any targeted environment. Finally, the history of copper usage for thousands of
years with little toxicity observed proves that metallic copper surfaces are quite safe
for human usage. Overall, all these qualities make use of copper a valuable
complimentary tool for hygiene in preventing spread of HAI.
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