Metal alloys containing copper can destroy human norovirus, according to a study in the American Society for Microbiology journal.
In the Applied and Environmental Microbiology study, the authors that a variety of copper surfaces had a major impact on the virus, whereas the virus was very stable on stainless steel surfaces.
Ten minutes’ exposure was sufficient to kill the receptor-binding ability of human norovirus virus-like particles, an effect that was not observed on the stainless steel surfaces, the article on the American Society for Microbiology website said.
“Perhaps these copper surfaces can be used on high touch surfaces, like door knobs, hand rails, and so forth, to prevent environmental transmission of the virus,” the study's author said.
Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety
Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community
Erlanger Health System Falls Victim to Data Breach
Technological Readiness: The Missing Construction Milestone
From Cooling Towers to Cost Savings: Hospital Seizes Power-Saving Opportunity