Period 5 element other metal is not easily oxidized in air and is used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion. The firstalloy, used in large scale since 3000 BC, was bronze, an alloy of tin and copper. After 600 BC pure metallic tin was produced. Pewter, which is an alloy of 85–90% tin with the remainder commonly consisting of copper, antimony and lead, was used for tableware from the Bronze Age until the 20th century. In modern times tin is used in many alloys, most notably tin/lead soft solders, typically containing 60% or more of tin. Another large application for tin is
Antimicrobial copper-alloy touch surfaces Copper (Cu) is a logo/mark required by the U.S. E.P.A. in order for bulk metal fabricators and manufacturing companies to make public health claims about antimicrobial copper in the U.S. market. The logo/mark indicates that the products have strong efficacies as sanitizers, residual self-sanitizing efficacies after multiple wet-dry cycles, and continuous reductions of bacterial contaminants. A list of bulk alloy suppliers that offer E.P.A.-registered antimicrobial copper to manufacturers is available. A list of approved manufacturers and retailers offering antimicrobial copper products to the regulated U.S. market is also available. These firms have completed all legal requirements to sell antimicrobial copper