Copper Against COVID19

Copper has been exploited for health purposes since ancient times. Egyptian and Babylonian soldiers would sharpen their bronze swords (an alloy of copper and tin) after a battle, and place the filings in their wounds to reduce infection and speed healing. Ancient Indians stored water in copper pots to prevent illness (Cassandra D. Salgado, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, hospital epidemiologist, and medical director for infection prevention at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Charleston). History had shown the proof of the effectiveness of the copper when copper workers in Paris were protected from several cholera epidemics and in order to prevent fungal, French wineries used Bordeaux mixture (made of copper sulphate and slaked lime)

More recently, researchers have discovered that copper alloys destroy MRSA, norovirus and other pathogens. These materials damage bacterial DNA and respiration, leading to cell breakdown, and inactivate certain viruses, often within hours. Copper can kill viruses and other germs by disrupting the protective layers of the organisms and interfering with its vital processes. The process involves the release of copper ions (electrically charged particles) when microbes, transferred by touching, sneezing or vomiting, land on the copper surface. The ions prevent cell respiration, punch holes in the bacterial cell membrane or disrupt the viral coat, and destroy the DNA and RNA inside.

Copper can effectively help to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, which are linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), new research shows. Animal coronaviruses that 'host jump' to humans, such as SARS and MERS, result in severe infections with high mortality. Researchers found that a closely-related human coronavirus - 229E - can remain infectious on common surface materials for several days, but is rapidly destroyed on copper.

Speaking on the importance of the study, Professor Bill Keevil (co-author and Chair in Environmental Healthcare at the University of Southampton) in the year 2015 said: "Respiratory viruses are responsible for more deaths, globally than any other infectious agent. The evolution of new respiratory viruses, and the re-emergence of historic virulent strains, poses a significant threat to human health. "The rapid inactivation and irreversible destruction of the virus observed on copper and copper alloy surfaces suggests that the incorporation of copper alloy surfaces -- in conjunction with effective cleaning regimes and good clinical practice -- could help control the transmission of these viruses."
 
Now in the year 2020, we are facing the COVID19 pandemic, we need to start to look into this suggestion if we are really intended to reduce and resist the deadly spread of the virus. With no vaccines, no medicine, copper could be the tool to reduce the transmission and indirectly save life & reduce the economic impact. 

For the hospital, copper is the most useful nature solution that might keep microbes from coming back to the hospital after the patient been discharged.  Copper is meant to help support improving the cleanliness of hospitals because it cleans 24/7. A new study found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the coronavirus pandemic, is no longer infectious on copper within 4 hours, whereas it can survive on plastic surfaces for 72 hours.  Harold T. Michels, PhD, PE (Senior Vice President of Technology and Technical Services for Copper Development Association Inc. in New York) said copper-alloy surfaces kill 99.9% of bacteria in less than two hours. 
We should look into this finding as part of a way to reduce the possibility of COVID19 transmission, the risk to the doctors, nurses and cleaners because of the nature of the copper itself. 

However, copper is no silver bullet, many cautions. It should be one of many tools used in healthcare settings to fight infections. Copper maybe a piece of the puzzle for reducing healthcare-acquired infections, said Dr. Louise Dembry, president of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. “Where it's going to fit and how it fits are still being considered.” Dr Loise Dembry was highlighted that copper is not capable to protect the patient in all circumstances without hygiene practises such as hand wash. For example, if a person enters a hospital room without washing his hands and then touches a patient IV line, it won't matter that the room has copper counter tops, an infection might spread to the patients. 

Conclusion: 
Copper installation might be costly but the cost of infectious disease is far greater than that. Public places such as bus station, train station & airport may look into this option seriously to avoid the fast spread of viruses and curb the burden on the economy due to massive infection. For the healthcare players including the government should seriously consider the copper fittings.  The importance of installing copper fittings has been recognized in France where various hospitals are now installing copper. Finally, at least some nations of the world are waking up to this simple approach to control infection, let’s hope others follow the suit, soonest.