Copper use in public places can help combat flu
By Jonathan | October 26, 2009
A study conducted by professor Mr Bill Keevil from the University of Southhampton presented at the BIT Life Sciences’ 2nd Annual World Summit of anti virals in Beijing said that extensive use of copper in public places can help combat spread of the recently erupted pandemic influenza or popularly known as swine flue due to the red metal’s anti bacterial property.
The study further found that copper touch surfaces can significantly reduce the concentration of influenza a virus on them, raising hopes that it may also be effective against other strains of the virus. About 75% of influenza is knocked out in 1 hour on a copper surface and almost completely in 6 hours. The findings are timely given the current influenza H1N1 pandemic currently sweeping the world. But even more common forms of flu are a major global health issue.
The recent threat of swine flu has emerged as the most important health concern in India and has triggered the need to use the most protective and efficient measures to reduce its spread in public places. While people have been advised to be alert, wash hands regularly, avoid crowded places like cinema halls, shopping complexes, malls etc, International Copper Promotion Council finds an opportunity for more copper uses in public places as the metal has the capability to combat the spread of the H1N1 virus.
Mr Keevil said that “There is no single answer to controlling the spread of pathogenic microorganisms but copper surfaces may contribute to the number of control barriers able to reduce transmission of the virus.”
H1N1 virus appears to be transmitted the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
In 2008, the US Environmental Protection Agency approved the registration of antimicrobial copper alloys with public health claims acknowledging that copper, brass and bronze are capable of killing harmful, potentially deadly bacteria. Copper and copper alloy surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of bacteria within 2 hours and continue to kill more than 99% of bacteria even after repeated contamination. Therefore, it has been recognized that the use of copper touch surfaces in hospitals, educational institutions, public buildings, public transport and food preparation areas can reduce the spread of harmful infections.
Copper and its alloys are available in a variety of forms like door handles, grab rails and bathroom fixtures etc. which are regular touch surfaces and can work to demonstrate reduced build up and transfer of infectious pathogens.
Mr Ajit Advani deputy regional director Asia, International Copper Association Limited and CEO of ICPCI said that “In India, we have known about the protective properties of copper since the vedic ages. This has now been corroborated by modern science. Use of this wonder metal in public touch surfaces can go a long way in reducing the spread of infections such as influenza.”
Topics: Antimicrobial | No Comments »
Copper Doorhandles & Fittings Might Keep You Healthy
By Jonathan | October 26, 2009
Infectious diseases are an increasing problem in big cities with high population densities. Indeed, fears of a swine flu (H1N1) pandemic have dominated media headlines this year. Diseases are frequently spread when people with dirty hands touch shared surfaces. For example, if a sick person covers their mouch when coughing, and then uses that same hand to open a door, the door handle may harbour their germs. Other people who touch that door handle may be infected.
Copper doorhandles may help prevent the spread of germs. The antimicrobial effects of copper have been known for thousands of years, but recent studies have shown that the antibiotic-resistant superbug MRSA (Golden Staph) that is commonly found in hospitals, cannot survive on copper surfaces for more than 90 minutes
In contrast, the more common stainless steel surfaces allow germs to survive for days, and can only be effectively cleaned using antiseptics, which need to be frequently reapplied and can cause allergic reactions in some people.
This means that reducing the spread of germs around our homes and offices may be as simple as installing copper doorhandles, and copper versions of other fittings with frequent human contact like taps, faucets, push plates and elevator buttons. The copper-containing alloys brass and bronze are also effective, but take longer to kill germs.
Source: http://herestrouble.com/archive/copper-doorhandles-fittings-might-keep-you-healthy/
Topics: Antimicrobial | No Comments »
Free Shipping Everyday on Copper Sinks Direct
By Jill | February 10, 2009
Copper Sinks Direct is now shipping free within the continental United States. This includes all of our sinks, faucets and drains. Any freight items are not included in our free shipping program, but we will work to get the best rate possible on all of our larger items.
Visit us today at www.coppersinksdirect.com to take advantange of our new lower prices and free shipping option.
Topics: General Posts | No Comments »
Copper Sink Fixtures Kill 95 Percent of Superbugs
By Jonathan | December 17, 2008
Author: Andrew Weil, M.D.
Source: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/WBL02118/Copper-Sink-Fixtures-Kill-95-Percent-of-Superbugs.html
I have long been concerned about the proliferation of antibacterial chemicals in our hand-soaps and household cleaning products - these accumulate in the environment and give rise to ever more virulent “superbugs.”
So I was pleased to learn of atrial that indicates that making door handles, sink fixtures and light switches from copper could help to keep hospitals sterile.
A study found that copper fittings rapidly killed microbeson hospital wards, succeeding where other infection control measures failed. In the trial at Selly Oak hospital, in Birmingham, England, copper sink fixtures, toilet seats and push plates on doors all but eliminated common bacteria. Lab tests show that the metal kills off the deadly MRSA and C difficile superbugs.
During the ten-week trial on a medical ward, a set of sink fixtures, a lavatory seat and a push plate on an entrance door were replaced with copper versions. They were swabbed twice a day for infectious agents and the results compared with a traditional sink fixture, lavatory seat and pushplate elsewhere in the ward.
The copper items had up to 95 per cent fewer germs on their surfaces whenever they were tested.
Topics: General Posts | No Comments »
Purity of Copper…how pure is it?
By Jill | August 13, 2008
There is no such thing as a 99.99% pure copper sink, The only Copper Alloy that is that pure is considered “Commercially Pure” C12200, and that is 99.92 - 99.97 pure copper. The problem is that copper that is solid copper or that pure, causes problems in TIG welding and the metal spinning process which is a step in the process of manufacturing copper sinks.
Our copper sinks are comprised of approx. 97% pure copper with the trace addition of Zinc and Phosphorus. The two additional elements are beneficial in the durability of a copper sinks, and it helps in the manufacturing process of the sinks. In the smelting process, the laminadora specifically adds Zinc to the batch. The Phosphorus is typically already included in the copper, due to the fact the copper scrap, plumbing pipes, wire, ect, all are made with an Alloy of copper that contains Phosphorus for additional durability.
Our products are much different then others been sold in the US. We have had our shop IAPMO certified, and we also only use certified SEMARNAT materials. SEMARNAT, is the environmental agency that inspects and certifies smelters or what are called “Laminadoras” in Mexico. Laminadora Patzcuaro, where all of our raw materials are produced, is the only smelter that is certified and is annually inspected by the Mexican version of the EPA to ensure low emissions, and to ensure they are environmentally friendly.
Their Certification is posted here:
http://app1.semarnat.gob.mx/retc/establecimiento/resestabsustres.php?nra=LPAEA1607911&ano=2004
Topics: All About Copper, Antimicrobial, General Posts | No Comments »
Copperhead Sinks Kitchen Sink Craze
By Jill | August 1, 2008
Is it the copper kitchen sink revolution? With increasing demand for the copper kitchen sinks as well as the copper kitchen farmhouse sinks, Copperhead Sinks has stepped up production in their kitchen sinks division.
Copper Sinks Direct is now receiving new shipments daily to keep up with demand. Should it be a rush, our sinks can be shipped direct to the customer from our Mexico Distribution Center.
Custom orders are shipped direct from Mexico in less than 2 weeks time door to door.
If you are looking for a copper sink, look no further, Copper Sinks Direct has the most extensive collection of copper sinks on the market.
Custom orders welcomed.
Topics: All About Copper, General Posts | No Comments »
Copper Sinks in Custom Satin Nickel Finish
By Jill | July 30, 2008
Now available at Copper Sinks Direct; Custom Satin Nickel Finishes on most of our sink styles. Up-charges start at $150.00 and vary depending on the size and type of copper sink that you would like to have nickel plated. Call us at 866-789-7465 and let us know what copper sink you would like to have nickel plated and we can get you a quote and lead time. Estimated lead times on most sinks are currently 3 to 4 weeks, however with demand, that time-frame will shrink.
Copperhead Sinks are nickel plated in the United States by one of the most predominate platers in the industry. Their quality of plating is #1.
Like the hammered look in copper sinks, like the styles offered by Copper Sinks Direct, but want the classic coloring on the satin nickel finish, not a problem, Copper Sinks Direct can get you the look you are trying to achieve. Call us at 866-789-7465 or send us your questions or comments to sales@coppersinksdirect.com.
Want a plated finish, but not Satin Nickel, let us know what you are interested in and we can get you a quote on that too.
Have a great everyday,
Jill
Topics: General Posts, Patinas(colors) | No Comments »
Buyer Beware not all Copper Sinks are created equally as good!!!
By Jill | July 29, 2008
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Tonight I answered the live chat to speak with Ron. He had a dilemma; His drain didn’t fit his copper oval lavatory sink and he couldn’t figure out why. After hearing his problem, he sent me some photos and much to his dismay the drain opening in his lavatory sink was the 2″ size for a bar drain. Well, having installed that copper sink and its mate under granite and after having the plumber out to install the sink, he was told that the drain that came with his faucet was too small. He chose to contact Copper Sinks Direct to find a solution.
Unfortunately, Ron did NOT buy his sink from Copper Sinks Direct. It was not a genuine Copperhead Sink; it had no IAPMO approval or UPC code. He paid nearly what he would have paid to buy it from us, but he went local and got it from his granite supplier. He did not purchase a top quality copper sink, he got something lower than second grade and he got what we would have scrapped.
Topics: All About Copper, General Posts | No Comments »
Need a custom copper sink, we can help!
By Jill | July 24, 2008
Copper Sinks Direct is now shipping custom made sinks out of Mexico within a week, in most cases. No more waiting for 6 to 8 weeks for the sink of your dreams. Authentic Copperhead Sinks, custom made to your specifications. New express shipping times from Mexico direct allow us to take your ideas, drawings, photos etc and create the sink, range hood, table or anything copper that you can visualize.
Topics: All About Copper, General Posts | No Comments »
So Dark is Dark, what is Medium?
By Jill | July 22, 2008
The copper sinks offered by Copper Sinks Direct only come in 2 specific colors. Dark or Medium patina are our only real recommended choices. Can our factory make the other colors see offered on other sites, sure we can. But no one, including our Copperhead factory can guarntee the color of any other finishes.
Dark is what it is, the natural fire process to achieve an oxidation of the copper. Medium is the dark that has been burnished back to allow for the natural shiny copper undertone to show thru.
Will Medium oxidize to turn dark? “You bet it will.”
Can you turn it back to medium, “yes you can.”
You can burnish it back to it’s original brillance with a fine steel wool.
All you are doing is brushing away the oxidation in the high spots in the hammering to show the shiny copper underneath. The best of both worlds, you can let it darken for a change of pace, or lighten it even more should it begin to look too dark for your liking.
Will it darken immediatley? No. it will take time and would not be noticable unless there was a light spot that as made by harsh cleaners, or acidic foods. The shiny spots will darken down with in a few weeks. Otherwise, in the medium sink, you could notice the change more in the shiny areas of the sink, however, this is fixable with the brushing of the steel wool.
So Dark and Medium are the self correcting color choice that we recommend to all of our customer. Can and will we make a custom color? Sure we can, but remember, it will darken.
The dark patina can be incorporated into the rustic as well as the contemporary stlyes.
Have a question? Let me help you find your answer.
More blogs to come…lots to say, not enough time in the day.
Thanks for reading,
Jill
Topics: All About Copper, General Posts, Patinas(colors) | No Comments »
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