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FAQ

Q: What are antimicrobial surfaces? Why are they important?

A: For decades, the only options to combat transmitting infections have related to hand hygiene and the cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces that harbor germs. These disinfectants are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their efficacy, safety, environmental impact, and conditions of use.

 

Q: What is the active ingredient in antimicrobial copper surfaces?

A: Copper! ALL meet EPA registration standards for antimicrobial effectiveness.

 

Q: Why are antimicrobial copper surfaces deemed antimicrobial?

A: The antimicrobial properties are grounded in scientific evidence and EPA recognition. EPA registration is based on comprehensive GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) test protocols that the EPA reviewed prior to granting registration. Learn more about Antimicrobial Efficacy.

 

Q: What does the term "antimicrobial" mean?

A: “Antimicrobial” is a broad term, defined as an agent capable of destroying, killing or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. When applying this to touch surfaces, this leaves some confusion among both the medical community and general marketplace.

 

Q: How can antimicrobial copper surfaces be used to supplement existing infection control practices?

A: Until now the most effective infection control plans combined proven practices such as routine cleaning, hand washing and good hygiene practices. Antimicrobial copper surfaces can enhance any infection control plan by providing a surface that continuously kills bacteria, fighting infectious bacteria 24/7.

 

Q: How does copper kill bacteria?

A: Copper is an essential nutrient for humans as well as bacteria, but in high doses, copper ions can cause a series of negative events in bacterial cells. The precise chemical and molecular mechanisms responsible for copper’s antimicrobial capabilities are still being researched, however, several theories exist.

 

Q: Do CuVerro® surfaces need to be cleaned?

A: Yes. According to both EPA conditions of use and good hygienic practices, antimicrobial surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized according to standard practices and infection control guidelines.

 

Q: How do I properly dispose of patches?

A: They are 100% recyclable. They are composed of commonly found metals that pose no significant risk to humans or the environment. The EPA recommends that alloys be disposed of in a responsible manner such as recycling.

 

Q: What does the EPA registration mean?

A: On March 1, 2011 the EPA finalized registration of copper alloys with public health claims allowing producers such as MD-CU29 to offer antimicrobial copper.

 

Q: How do antimicrobial copper surfaces compare to other antimicrobial surfaces?

A: There is literally no comparison. Antimicrobial copper surfaces represent the FIRST class of solid antimicrobial surfaces recognized and registered by the EPA to make public health claims for their inherent ability to kill infectious bacteria1 within 2 hours.

 

Q: Where can antimicrobial copper be used?

A: Almost any touch surface where exposure to harmful bacteria is of concern. The EPA has approved a wide range of touch-surface applications suitable for antimicrobial copper including: handrails, door hardware, sinks, countertops, bedrails, pens and chair arms.

 

Q: Is antimicrobial copper safe?

A: Absolutely. Copper, the only active ingredient found in MD-CU29 alloys, is a naturally occurring element and is even vital to human health as a dietary supplement.