From how we work and who we see to how we shop and practice cleanliness, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected almost every facet of our daily lives.
It would certainly be convenient if the coronavirus couldn’t survive on a surface in the first place. With copper, that might be the case. Can copper kill coronavirus? Research suggests it can. Here’s what you should know about the unique properties of copper and what it means with regard to contagions.
How Long Does Coronavirus Last on Surfaces?
First of all, it’s important to discuss how long the coronavirus can last on various surfaces. According to recent research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, it ranges from a few hours to a few days.
The new coronavirus stays infectious for up to:
- 5 days on glass
- 4 days on wood
- 72 hours on steel and plastic
- 24 hours on cardboard
- 4 hours on copper
The virus survives on copper for a small fraction of the time it stays active on other surfaces.
Why Copper Is Getting Attention
Many pure metals, including copper, are naturally antimicrobial, meaning bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms can’t survive on them. But copper goes a bit further than that.
The highly conductive metal contains electrons that are constantly in motion, which is a hostile environment for bacteria and viruses. Research shows that the inhospitable nature of copper causes the coronavirus to die even quicker than on other metals. When a microorganism dies after coming into contact with a material, it’s called “contact killing.”
It’s not just the coronavirus, either. A study published in the Health Environments Research and Design Journal concludes that copper alloy surfaces can kill MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), flu viruses, E. coli, and norovirus.
Are face masks that include copper effective against the coronavirus disease?
Due to a nationwide shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment), a lot of people are making their own face masks to avoid spreading and contracting COVID-19. Are these masks effective against the coronavirus disease if they contain copper?
Phyllis J. Kuhn, Ph.D., developed the Well Mask, which is a standard face mask with a copper mesh insert. Testing shows that Kuhn’s masks kill about 90% of germs within just a few minutes of contact.
Masks are easy to make yourself. All you’ll need is fabric, elastic (hair ties or rubber bands work), measuring tape, and a pair of scissors. If you’re interested in making your own face mask, you might consider using copper wire mesh with a breathable weave in addition to fabric.
It’s imperative to follow the CDC’s guidelines on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Though wearing a cloth face covering is one best practice, there are many others. Stay up-to-date on prevention and protection at CDC.gov.
Using Antimicrobial Copper at Home
Since bacteria and viruses die so quickly on copper surfaces, many people are considering using more of the metal at home and public spaces. Copper alloy doorknobs, faucets, light fixtures, drawer handles, sinks, and bathtubs could be worth the investment.
As for copper wire mesh, homeowners can use it for:
- Cabinet doors
- Chimney caps
- Craft papermaking
- Decoration
- Gardening
- Insect screens
- Lamp and candle sconces
- Pest control
Using copper mesh for a DIY home project is a productive way to spend your time while sheltering in place. Whether it’s making an insect screen, a pest-control garden barrier, kitchen cabinetry, or a decorative sconce, you can check off a task on your to-do list and feel confident that the material won’t be a hotspot for viruses.
Copper Mesh Materials from TWP Inc.
For over 50 years, TWP Inc. has been a proud supplier of copper wire mesh and hardware cloth that’s more than 99% commercially pure. Our women-owned company also offers a wide range of other industrial-grade metal mesh materials ideal for do-it-yourself residential projects, as well as a long list of commercial applications.
Our services include cleaning, measuring, disc sizing, laser cutting, and roll slitting. We can also accommodate custom sizes, shapes, and quantities.
Order your copper mesh today or contact us for a free quote on a custom order. Do you want to have your DIY wire mesh project featured in TWP Inc.’s online gallery? Upload your photos to Instagram with the hashtag #TWPWireMesh.
