COMMERCIAL SECURITY
UNLOCKING COPPER ’ S ASTONISHING ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY
by Andrew Cross , ACT Surfaces Ltd .
John Hyslop , MD of Borg Locks
What can we do today to help slow the spread of COVID-19 ?
John finishes : “ As the world currently fights a second wave of the coronavirus , it ’ s very reassuring to know that the Cu-Shield is out there in high-touch environments , quietly fighting viruses , bacteria and pathogens like a superhero on behalf of the elderly and vulnerable in our society .
“ Until we have a proven vaccine and herd immunity has been achieved , the Cu-Shield can be in place in a matter of minutes , providing continuous infection control on high-touch surfaces and reducing transmission risks .”
“ It ’ s an affordable , sustainable and responsible choice in this fight that we all find ourselves in ,” says John . “ And the Cu-Shield is available right now . We ’ re struggling to see why anyone wouldn ’ t want install it in a high-risk touch environment .”
» THE CU-SHIELD DIGITAL LOCK range was developed with assistance from Andrew Cross of ACT Surfaces Ltd , a consultant in the niche subject of antimicrobial materials . Andrew comments on how the 2020 Coronavirus outbreak has made everyone focus on items they touch and how infection spreads . Especially now as the combination of COVID-19 and winter pressures is an alarming double-blow for healthcare and for the economy , calling for additional preventative measures .
Research published in March 2020 in New England Journal of Medicine , prompted the question : “ Why does SARS-CoV-2 remain viable for such a short time on copper ( only up to 4 hours ) yet far longer ( up to 72 hours ) on plastic and stainless steel ?“
Previous research reported that Coronavirus ( 229E ) remained viable for under an hour on copper , but for “ several days ” on other surfaces .
Whenever comparing antimicrobial materials , it is crucial to look beyond the headlines and examine the test methods and test protocols behind efficacy claims .
• ISO 22196 is a commonly-used “ proof of concept ” test with a long test time ( up to 24 hours ) under “ warm and wet ” conditions , with samples covered with plastic film to prevent drying-out .
• When tested under dry ( typical indoor ) conditions , some widelyused antimicrobial materials had negligible effect whereas copper worked faster , with multiple mechanisms .
• The test protocols behind the US EPA registration of copper had a maximum 2 hour exposure to copper , with a 50 microlitre droplet to simulate a splash contamination .
• More recent tests show copper is effective within minutes against diverse pathogens , even antibioticresistant bacteria .
Work is ongoing by OECD and ISO to standardise test protocols . The ISO stated : “ Biocidal surfaces are a valuable tool because they destroy or inactivate unwanted pathogens , thus contributing to a cleaner environment . However , the performance of such surfaces can vary , giving rise to the need for effective guidelines and test methods to ensure they are up to scratch .”
‘ it is crucial to look beyond the headlines and examine the test methods and test protocols behind efficacy claims ’
The ISO recently created an expert committee ISO / TC 330 to develop internationally-agreed test methods and guidance for assessment of any surfaces with antimicrobial activities , also their compatibility with different disinfectants and cleaning agents .
At ACT Surfaces Ltd , we welcome these developments and look forward to much-needed clarity enabling accurate comparison of antimicrobial materials : the robust body of evidence for copper means you can be confident it actually works in real life .
For full access to links and studies , please visit borglocks . co . uk / unlocking-coppers-astonishingantimicrobial-efficacy
NOV / DEC 2020
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