Copper, pathogens and disease

This resource considers the antimicrobial properties of copper and how they are used to reduce the transmission of the pathogens. Copper is an essential nutrient for bacteria as well as humans but, in high doses, copper ions can cause a series of negative events in bacterial cells. This resource considers how some hospitals are installing copper as an anti-bacterial agent. They have started to replace items such as door handles, bed rails, light switches, over-bed tables and taps with copper and copper alloy (brass, bronze) items to help limit pathogens and prevent their transfer around the hospital and to susceptible patients.