http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/04/science/copper-doorknobs-germs-bacteria.html 2016-10-03 20:43:13 Copper Doorknobs as Germ Assassins Copper surfaces are valuable, but not infallible, in killing disease-causing microbes left on them. === Q. How good are copper door A. The killing mechanism is not fully understood. A newer The phenomenon of so-called contact killing was known in ancient times, when it was observed, for example, that copper vessels could purify drinking water. Copper compounds were often used as antimicrobial agents in medicines until the discovery of Renewed interest has led to the frequent use of copper and copper alloys for many surfaces that are commonly touched in hospitals, like door handles and bed rails, to prevent pathogens from spreading. But such surfaces do not affect person-to-person contamination by way of unwashed hands, and the review article concluded that their use must be integrated with other methods of disinfection and overall hygiene.