Throughout history copper has been used to take advantage of its antimicrobial benefits. Copper vessels were used to keep drinking water pure in ancient Egypt. Copper has also been used in medical treatments to ward of infection and speed healing. The Aztecs treated sore throats with copper.

Copper has the ability to kill bacteria such as E. Coli in hours compared to surviving for months on stainless steel surfaces. Using copper as a countertop material or food preparation surface could help reduce the risk of food poisoning from bacteria such as E. Coli.

Copper’s antimicrobial properties are a supplement to standard infection control practices. Together, they can reduce the number of disease-causing bacteria found in hospital rooms. Copper’s antimicrobial properties should be particularly advantageous in applications where the surface is frequently touched key areas where disease-causing bacteria live. Initial prototype applications for copper components include IV poles and hospital hardware, such as door handles and chair arms.

Copper’s antimicrobial properties go beyond a surface coating, and provided the surface is clean, copper will continue to kill bacteria after wear and abrasion. To be effective, no other surface coating can be applied to copper parts to avoid tarnishing. Tarnished copper or bronze can look unsanitary, even when it isn’t, and this could lead to a perception problem. However, testing has shown that tarnished surfaces maintain their antimicrobial efficacy.

With the use of copper for countertops; not only does one benefit from these bacteria killing properties, but one also benefits from the beauty and natural warmth that copper countertops offer.

A weakness of copper as a food preparation surface is that it is affected by acids like lemon juice; that will discolor the surface patina <a onClick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”www.mountainsedgecopperart.com”>Copper countertops</a> should then be evaluated like a porous stone material such as soapstone and thought of as a living material; changing with use. The surfaces can be protected with a food grade wax such as beeswax or orange wax, but this would lessen the ability of the copper to protect against these harmful bacteria. As we see there are many advantages of using copper made kitchen utensils, countertops, mailboxes and apron sinks.

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