Metal alloy can reduce germ transfer

SOUTHAMPTON, England (UPI) -- The kind of metal alloy of doorknobs, faucets and handrails can make the difference in catching cold or flu, say British researchers.

When someone with a cold or the flu sneezes or coughs into his hand and then opens a door, the next person to touch that doorknob runs the risk of becoming infected, and cross-contamination of bacteria and viruses is one of the leading ways illnesses are spread.

Frequent hand-washing is one way to avoid the transmission of germs, but which metal alloy is chosen for items used often by hands can also stop germs.

University of Southampton researchers show that copper and its alloys, brass and bronze, effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses that cause illness.

The research has also shown that stainless steel, aluminum and plastic touch surfaces do nothing to help eradicate germs. Once contaminated, a stainless steel doorknob, faucet or handrail can harbor bacteria and viruses until it is disinfected, usually with harsh chemicals.

However, uncoated copper, including brass and bronze alloys with high copper content, are intrinsically antimicrobial and begin eliminating pathogens such as streptococcus, staphylococcus and Influenza A on contact.