Antimicrobial copper-alloy touch surfaces follows: The following claims are now legally permitted when marketing EPA-registered antimicrobial copper alloys in the U.S.: The registrations state that “antimicrobial copper alloys may be used in hospitals, other healthcare facilities, and various public, commercial and residential buildings.” The EPA copper alloy registrations were granted “with public health claims,” meaning that they permit manufacturers of copper-based products sold in the U.S. to claim on their labels the ability of copper, brass, and bronze to kill harmful, potentially deadly bacteria. As a condition of registration established by EPA, the Copper Development Association (CDA) in the U.S. is responsible for the
Antimicrobial copper-alloy touch surfaces surfaces typically manufactured with standard materials (i.e., plastic, chrome, aluminum) were replaced with copper alloys. These included a copper alloy set of sink tap handles (60% Cu, 40% Zn) and a ward entrance door push plate (70% Cu, 30% Zn). Contamination reductions of 90–100% were observed for "Staphylococcus aureus", "Escherichia coli", "Klebsiella pneumoniae", "Acinetobacter baumanii", "Enterococcus" spp., and "Candida albicans" on the copper alloy surfaces versus the non-copper standard surfaces. A microorganism reduction of 100% was observed on the hot tap copper alloy handle. The high degree of clinical performance suggested that copper alloy surfaces may increase the effectiveness of