In a response to a letter to The Hospitalist magazine, author Harold Michels addressed concerns from a physician that implanted copper-nickel alloy devices have the potential for severe allergic reactions.
"Implanted devices are not part of the EPA-approved products list of antimicrobial copper and, therefore, are not being proposed for use in the fight against hospital infections," Michels wrote in an article on The Hospitalist website.
Referring to questions of copper tarnishing, Michels said copper alloys should be cleaned regularly — especially in hospitals.
"But more importantly, the antimicrobial effect of this metal is not inhibited if the surfaces tarnish," Michels said.
5 Reasons Engineering is the Edge in Healthcare Master Planning
Building an AI-Ready Healthcare Facility 
Family Medical Associates of Raleigh Reports April 2026 Data Breach
Every Detail Matters: A Patient's Story of Healing, Hope and Healthcare Facilities
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Tops Off New 11-Story Tower