Copper is a highly versatile metal that can be used in numerous applications and is found in many everyday items. Let’s take a look at it in more detail, including whether it has antibacterial properties.
Where does copper come from?
Copper is a naturally occurring metallic element. It is present in the Earth’s crust in a variety of forms and is found in many minerals.
Copper is extracted as copper sulphides from large open pit mines. The sulphides are converted to oxides before they are extracted (using various methods). These mines are present in many locations, most notably Chile, the US, Peru, and Indonesia.
Copper characteristics/attributes
Copper has a reddish colour and a bright metallic lustre. Its atomic number is 29 and it has a melting point of 1083.4 +/- 0.2°C and boiling point of 2567°C.
Its main attributes are its malleability, ductility, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and the fact it is both antibacterial and antimicrobial.
Antibacterial qualities
Copper has been used for many years to fight viruses and bacteria. Numerous studies have found that it is extremely effective at killing a range of bacteria and viruses. Copper is also highly effective at inhibiting/suppressing the growth of deadly pathogens, including mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Copper pipe
Copper pipe is a popular choice in both industrial and domestic plumbing and for irrigation/underwater systems. There is often a need in these systems to join or terminate pipes, with copper pipe fittings and press systems providing an efficient and safe way of doing this.
There are a sizable number of specialist companies that produce/sell copper fittings. Many of these, such as https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/, have useful online resources.
Antimicrobial qualities
In addition to antibacterial qualities, copper possesses a number of antimicrobial properties. The general belief is that these effects are due to the release of oxidising ions that kill the microbes when they come into contact with each other.
Copper surfaces are used in a wide range of settings to help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria/viruses. They are particularly valuable in hospitals, gyms, and water treatment plants and on public transport vehicles.