Copper alloy hardware is naturally antibacterial.

CONCERN WITH CLEANLINESS AND THE ERADICATION OF DANGEROUS GERMS IS FOCUSING NEW ATTENTION ON copper. The presence and spread of bacterial pathogens is a major problem for hospitals worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that infections acquired in U.S. hospitals

affect 2 million individuals every year and result in nearly 88,000 deaths annually, placing a tremendous financial burden on the healthcare industry. Part of the problem is that antibiotics are ineffectual in fighting many pathogens, such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In 2000, the CDC estimated that antibiotic resistant infections cost healthcare facilities an additional $4.5-$5 billion annually. (1)

Stainless steel, aluminum and plastic touch surfaces do nothing to eradicate pathogens. Once contaminated, a stainless steel doorknob will harbor bacteria and fungi until it is manually cleaned, usually with disinfectants that can be harmful to humans. Although stainless steel is valued, in part, for its clean look, it is not antibacterial. Uncoated copper and copper alloys, on the other hand, begin inactivating bacteria on contact and may cut down on the transmission of disease-causing germs, according to recent studies conducted at the University of Southampton, U.K.

Because of the antimicrobial properties it exhibits, copper alloy hardware should be used for common touch surfaces where stainless steel or aluminum hardware is currently used: door handles, push plates, faucets, grab bars, hand rails, stair rails and ventilation grilles, for example.

Studies have demonstrated that the use of uncoated brass and bronze for hardware retrofits can reduce the risk of cross-contamination from touch surfaces. Institutions that need to retrofit doorknobs to meet ADA requirements can take advantage of this opportunity to replace stainless steel and aluminum hardware with uncoated brass at no more expense than would be incurred with stainless steel. In the event of consumer resistance, which might develop with the removal of stainless steel, nickel-silver, a silver-colored alloy consisting of copper, nickel and zinc, may be more acceptable to the public in hospital settings.

Door hardware is plainly utilitarian for opening or securing a door, but it can also reflect elegance and style. Copper alloy hardware is both functional and decorative and has long been used to convey elegance, strength, stability and wealth: Architects of banks, hotels and office buildings use copper and copper alloys in revolving doors, push plates, door handles and knobs, levers, push bars, hinges and locksets. Now, in addition to being attractive, new research confirms that uncoated brass and bronze hardware contribute to a healthier environment by inactivating the bacteria commonly found on touch surfaces.