First of its Kind Joint Study Demonstrates Copper’s Effectiveness at Killing Bacteria and Viruses on Public Transit
19 May 2023 - 12:36AM
A collaborative cross-Canadian partnership between infection
control researchers, transit authorities and private industry has
demonstrated the effectiveness of antimicrobial copper to reduce
the spread of bacteria and viruses in public spaces. The results of
a successfully completed, one-year study, led by the medical
microbiology research team at Vancouver Coastal Health and hosted
by TransLink and Toronto Transit Commission, found that select
copper products on public transit can eliminate up to 99.9% of
bacteria.
This groundbreaking study was the first of its kind in North
America and was fully funded by Teck as part of its Copper &
Health program. The study evaluated the efficacy of three
copper-based solutions for reducing the transmission of bacteria
and viruses on high-touch surfaces on public transportation. The
solutions tested included thermal coated copper surface layers,
copper alloys, and copper decals; both in-situ for bacterial
testing and in-lab for virus testing. Test results showed that
select copper products can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria on
public transit and 99.9% of viruses in a laboratory setting within
two hours of contact.
The medical microbiology team from Vancouver Coastal Health,
supported by Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and the University of
British Columbia in Vancouver, conducted tests every two months
over the course of a year, analyzing samples from both copper and
non-copper surfaces on public transit. This phase of the study was
critical in determining the long-term viability of copper as a
material for high-touch surfaces on public transportation, with
particular emphasis on its antimicrobial properties and potential
for infection control in public settings.
Led by the Vancouver Coastal Health medical microbiology team,
researchers tested for virus-killing capabilities, including
surrogates for COVID-19 and Noroviruses. This testing is crucial,
as it demonstrates the potential for copper surfaces to reduce the
risk of transmission of viruses in addition to bacteria. Results of
the in-laboratory studies showed consistent viral load reduction
for surrogates of COVID-19 and Noroviruses, as well as the
bacterial testing, across all copper products compared to no
reduction in the stainless steel comparison.
Research Details:
- This trial tested three types of registered products including
thermal coated copper surface layers, copper alloys, and copper
decals on handles and exit doors on buses, streetcars and
trains.
- Samples were analyzed every two months, from copper surfaces as
well as non-copper surfaces on transit by Vancouver Coastal
Health’s medical microbiology team, supported by Mount Sinai
Hospital/University Health Network in Toronto and the University of
British Columbia in Vancouver.
- Researchers from the University of British Columbia tested and
analyzed the durability of the three products as they aged over the
course of the year.
- In-lab virus and bacterial testing simulated a year’s worth of
use, including disinfectant cleaning and human touch (sweat). The
copper products showed consistent and sustained antimicrobial
activity through the course of the testing, showing that cleaners
and human use did not affect the efficacy of the copper in killing
surface bacteria and viruses.
- This trial was fully funded by Teck’s Copper & Health
program. The findings have significant implications for public
health, especially during pandemics and outbreaks, and highlight
the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations between health
care providers, academic researchers, and industry partners in
improving infection control measures. The success of this pilot
project demonstrates the efficacy of copper surfaces in reducing
the spread of bacteria and viruses in shared public spaces.
The project is the result of a partnership between Teck
Resources Limited, Toronto Transit Commission, TransLink, Vancouver
Coastal Health, Mount Sinai Hospital/University Health Network, the
Coalition for Community and Healthcare Acquired Infection Reduction
(CHAIR), UBC Department of Materials Engineering, VGH & UBC
Hospital Foundation, and Westech Cleaning Audit Systems. The trial
follows preceding studies conducted by the Infection Prevention and
Control team at Vancouver Coastal Health that have shown copper to
be highly durable and effective at killing bacteria in laboratory
and healthcare settings.
QUOTES
Jonathan Price, CEO, Teck – “Copper’s unique
antimicrobial properties make it ideal for use in busy public
spaces such as transit systems. Teck is proud to partner with
leading researchers on this study, which continues to demonstrate
that copper is a critical tool to help stop the spread of infection
and make our communities safer.”
Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO
–“TransLink is proud to be the first transit
agency in North America to welcome healthcare providers and
academic researchers onto our system to test copper on transit
vehicles. We hope this innovative partnership will help to broaden
the scientific community’s understanding of copper and its use in
public spaces.”
Dr. Marthe Charles, Medical Microbiologist, Vancouver
Coastal Health –“This study provides
another proof point that copper, alongside hand washing,
vaccination programs and other infection prevention measures, is an
added layer that can help reduce the risk of transmission of
pathogens. We’re excited that we have been able to contribute to
the global understanding of the antibacterial and antiviral
properties of copper and that was made possible through this
partnership.”
Angela Chapman, President & CEO, VGH & UBC
Hospital Foundation –“Microbes that are dangerous to human
health and well-being will continue to evolve, including COVID-19.
VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation has played a vital role in
funding innovation through medical research that has produced new
technologies, and changed practice and protocols that have saved
lives here in BC and globally. The latest groundbreaking study on
the use of copper to reduce the spread of bacteria and
viruses in public spaces is another step in our mission to inspire
philanthropy, transform health care and save lives. We are
grateful for the partnership of Teck and our colleagues across
Canada whose innovative approach to health care in public spaces is
bettering our health across the country.”
About TeckAs one of Canada’s leading mining
companies, Teck is committed to responsible mining and mineral
development with major business units focused on copper, zinc, and
steelmaking coal. Copper, zinc and high-quality steelmaking coal
are required for the transition to a low-carbon world.
Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Teck’s shares are listed on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about
Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.
About Teck’s Copper & Health ProgramThrough
its Copper & Health program, Teck has funded numerous
initiatives across a range of industries and public facilities to
help improve health and safety in high-traffic, high-touch areas
through the installation of antimicrobial copper. Teck’s Copper
& Health program has installed copper surfaces in a number of
healthcare facilities, including Vancouver General Hospital and St.
Paul’s Hospital, on public transit in partnership with TransLink
and Toronto Transit Commission, throughout the terminal at
Vancouver International Airport, in major attractions including
Royal Ontario Museum and Science World, and in schools through
partnerships with BCIT, SFU and UBC. Teck is a proud member of
CHAIR Canada, the Coalition for Community and Healthcare Acquired
Infection Reduction (chaircanada.org).
About VGH & UBC Hospital FoundationVGH
& UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health’s primary
philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult health
care services and research for all British Columbians. VGH &
UBC Hospital Foundation partners with donors to raise essential
funds for Vancouver Coastal Health, supporting VGH, UBC Hospital,
GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research
Institute, and Community Health Services.
Media downloads:
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MORE INFORMATION: Copperstopsthespread.ca
Teck Media Contact Chris StannellPublic
Relations Manager604.699.4368chris.stannell@teck.com
Vancouver Coastal Health Media Contact: April
Penney604.290.7482media@vch.ca
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