Sweat hurts anti-bacterial brass surfaces

A new study shows sweat can cause corrosion of the protective qualities of brass surfaces - such as doorknobs - that contain bacteria-fighting copper


A new study shows sweat can cause corrosion of the protective qualities of brass surfaces — such as doorknobs — that contain bacteria-fighting copper, according to an article on the Becker Hospital Review website.

Within an hour of contact with brass, human sweat can produce corrosion that negatively impacts its ability to kill a range of microorganisms, the article said.

"My short term advice is to keep the brass in public environments free from corrosion through regular and thorough cleaning. In the longer term, using copper alloys with corrosion inhibitors included in the alloy would be a good choice," according to study author John Bond, OBE, from the University of Leicester's Department of Chemistry.

Read the article.

 



June 27, 2014


Topic Area: Environmental Services


Recent Posts

Healthcare and Resilience: A Pledge for Change

Climate resilience and reducing environmental impact drive voluntary program targeting hospitals.


Texas Health Resources Announces New Hospital for North McKinney

Expected to open in 2028, the hospital will feature 60 beds initially with plans to double in capacity to accommodate for future community growth.


Cedar Point Health Falls Victim to Data Breach

Cedar Point Health has no evidence directly linking this incident to specific incidents of financial fraud or identity theft.


Fire Protection in Healthcare: Why Active and Passive Systems Must Work as One

Sprinklers, smoke compartments and firestopping can form an interdependent safety strategy.


Cleveland Clinic Hits Key Milestones for Palm Beach County Expansion

These include plans to begin demolition of current structure and hospital site preparation in 2026 and open the outpatient center and ambulatory surgery center in 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.