The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted a great deal of the workforce, and some industries are being hit harder than others. Calls for social distancing, sheltering in place, frequent handwashing, and cleaning of common surfaces have been made worldwide to minimize the spread of the virus.
Recent research shows that the unique properties of copper might make it useful in curbing the spread of the virus. Here’s a breakdown of the industries that currently use copper mesh materials, why copper quickly kills germs, and how more use of copper might be beneficial for the future of various industry sectors.
What Industries Use Copper?
Presently, copper mesh is used for a broad range of applications in a variety of industries. The versatile material is often an essential component of the technological advancements in many fields, as it provides a protective barrier from electromagnetic radiation.
Copper wire mesh is used in:
- Air and liquid filtration
- Electric heaters
- Energy storage
- Gamma irradiators
- Laboratories
- Metalsmithing
- Pest control fumigation
- Power automation
- RFI shielding
- Robotics
- Space program initiatives
- Tactical military shelters
Copper’s ability to kill off germs isn’t a new concept. Many high-traffic facilities already use some copper fixtures and equipment to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. This includes airports, hospitals, mass transit hubs, gyms, schools, concert venues, and sports arenas. For example, many public drinking fountains are made of copper.
Can Copper Kill Coronavirus?
Copper is a naturally antimicrobial material, meaning bacteria, viruses, and fungi can’t survive on its surface. When a microorganism dies after touching copper, it’s called “contact killing.” The reason copper is getting attention amid the coronavirus pandemic is that contact killing occurs very quickly compared to other surfaces.
So, how long does the coronavirus last on surfaces? According to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine, it depends on the surface.
The virus lasts for up to:
- 4 hours on copper
- 24 hours on cardboard
- 72 hours on plastic and steel
- 4 days on wood
- 5 days on glass
As you can see, the virus dies off substantially quicker on copper than on other surfaces. Of course, cardboard, wood, plastic, steel, and glass are much more common both in commercial environments and people’s day-to-day lives. However, the benefit of using copper in many different applications is clear. Moving forward, it may be used even more by a great deal of industrial and commercial sectors.
Copper Materials & the Medical Industry
Copper is a highly conductive material with continuously moving electrons. This is not a hospitable environment for viruses and bacteria, which is why they become inactive so quickly upon touching a copper surface.
Many researchers believe that using more copper in public facilities could decrease infection rates. One study concluded that ICU hospital patients in rooms with copper surfaces had substantially lower rates of HAI (healthcare-associated infections). This data could provide hope for the medical industry, which is actively attempting to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while treating infected patients.
Copper Wire Mesh Materials from TWP Inc.
Since 1969, TWP Inc. has been a leading supplier of copper wire mesh and hardware cloth for numerous commercial and industrial markets. Our copper mesh is more than 99% pure and comes in various weaves, mesh counts, wire diameters, and widths, as well as custom sizes and shapes.
Our women-owned company also offers many other wire mesh materials for industrial use, such as stainless steel, brass, and bronze. Expert services from TWP Inc. include cleaning, measuring, laser cutting, slitting, and disc sizing.
Order your copper mesh today or get a free quote on a custom size or quantity.
