Brussels, 22 July 2009: A leading microbiologist announced his findings that copper is effective at inactivating Influenza A - including H1N1 - at a conference to address the health challenges of globalisation. The research, led by Professor Bill Keevil, Director of the Environmental Healthcare Unit at the University of Southampton, was presented at the BIT Life Sciences 2nd Annual World Summit on Antivirals on July 18. µ Professor Keevil’s research shows that copper actively inhibits Influenza A (H1N1), indicating a role for touch surfaces in public areas to be made from copper or brass as an additional measure to help prevent the spread of infection. Professor Keevil’s study involved a series of experiments testing incubation of Influenza A on copper and stainless steel surfaces. Results showed that, after incubation for 24 hours on stainless steel, 500,000 virus particles were still infectious, while after only 1 hour of incubation on copper, 75% of the virus was eradicated, and after 6 hours, just 500 particles remained active. The findings by Professor Keevil’s research add to earlier studies that have already confirmed the efficacy of copper in killing pathogenic bacteria that include E. coli, Salmonella, and MRSA - one of the most virulent strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a common cause of hospital and community-acquired infections. The research, unveiled at the Summit, will contribute to further understanding of copper’s antimicrobial qualities, which actively inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Professor Keevil said “With the ongoing threat of contamination by Influenza A viruses, such as H1N1, there is a real and pressing need to utilise all appropriate and effective measures with proven antimicrobial qualities. Studies have now repeatedly shown that the use of copper as a surface material in key public places such as hospitals and food preparation areas may substantially restrict and reduce the spread of harmful infection”. The use of copper as a preventative health measure is becoming increasingly well recognised. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the registration of antimicrobial copper alloys, in line with proven public health benefits. In the UK, a clinical trial at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, demonstrated that door handles and taps made from copper had 90-100% fewer germs on them than those made from other materials. Professor Keevil added: “These public health benefits, supported by extensive antimicrobial efficacy testing, are underpinned by the fact that copper, brass and bronze are capable of killin harmful and potentially deadly micro-organisms”. Copper is the first solid surface material to receive this type of EPA registration, with antimicrobial copper alloy surfaces being shown to kill more than 99.9% of specific bacteria (including the MRSA superbug) within two hours, and to continue to kill more than 99% of (these) bacteria even after repeated contamination. Copper metals, unlike other materials treatments, retain their antibacterial efficacy, offering solid, long-term protection. As a result, copper can play a pivotal role as a control barrier to the spread of harmful pathogens, and supplement standard infection control practices, which will continue to require stringent hygiene controls and development of antiviral vaccines. Media relations: Irina Dumitrescu; id@eurocopper.org; Tel : +32-2-777 70 82