Copper has many advantages, notably the ability to eliminate bacteria. Used in hospitals for certain garments, an innovation will further advance the fight against bacteria. In the form of a paint, it can be applied to any objects likely to carry these microorganisms.
A response to copper’s cost problems
The discovery of copper’s virtues is not new but given the price of copper, it was unthinkable to replace all the metal elements frequently touched with pieces made entirely of copper. The discovery of this paint will make it possible to rethink things differently.
The paint contains enough copper to achieve a satisfactory result. Colorless, it is sufficient to apply a thin coat to sensitive areas to prevent the proliferation of bacteria. Door handles, switches, medical equipment and trolleys and beds used in hospitals are already being considered.
First tests at the Montpellier University Hospital
If metal will not be used to create parts to be installed in all medical establishments, fine particles of copper will now be able to work in the fight against hospital-acquired infections. According to the French company that developed this next-generation paint, its use would reduce the number of bacteria by a factor of 100,000 and therefore greatly minimize the risks.
A first trial will take place at the Montpellier hospital for a certain period in order to collect figures for comparison. In this way, the hospital’s management team and the paint manufacturing company will be able to determine whether this product has a future in the field. The figures expected are very promising, which could lead to a real revolution against these diseases that cause deaths every year due to insufficient means of intervention.