From the Guidelines
The use of copper in sink environments is not a recommended solution for reducing microbial populations, as recent evidence suggests that removing sinks altogether may be a more effective strategy in preventing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings. According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection 1, removing handwashing sinks may reduce the risk of transmission and infection of drug-resistant bacteria in ICU, although the quality of evidence is low. Another study from 2023 1 found that implementation of interventions such as removal of all sinks, implementation of water-safe policy, medical staff hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning reduced annual incidence rate of MDR GNB infection from 9.15 per 1000 patient-days to 2.20 per 1000 patient-days. While copper has natural antimicrobial properties, the evidence suggests that its use in sinks may not be sufficient to prevent the spread of harmful microbes.
Some key points to consider:
- The antimicrobial effect of copper is well-documented, but its effectiveness in reducing microbial loads in sink environments is not as clear-cut as removing sinks altogether.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of sinks are still necessary to prevent the accumulation of organic matter that can shield microbes from copper's effects.
- The environmental impact of using copper in sinks is generally positive, as it is recyclable and does not require harsh chemicals for antimicrobial function.
- However, the benefits of using copper in sinks may be outweighed by the potential risks of microbial resistance and the uncertainty of its effectiveness in preventing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.
In terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, the most recent and highest quality study suggests that removing sinks altogether may be a more effective strategy in preventing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings 1. Therefore, removing sinks and implementing alternative hand hygiene strategies may be a more effective solution for reducing microbial populations and preventing the spread of infection.
From the Research
Role of Copper in Microbiome of Sinks
- Copper has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi 2, 3
- The use of copper surfaces in healthcare facilities and other public places can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious microorganisms and hospital-acquired infections 2, 4, 5
- Copper surfaces have been found to be effective in reducing microbial contamination, with some studies showing a reduction of up to 99% in microbial burden 4
- The antimicrobial activity of copper is thought to be due to the release of copper ions, which are toxic to microorganisms 3
- Copper surfaces can be used in conjunction with chemical disinfectants to enhance their antimicrobial efficacy, with some studies showing a synergistic effect between the two 6
Mechanism of Action
- The exact mechanism of action of copper against microorganisms is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the disruption of cellular processes and the generation of reactive oxygen species 3
- Copper has been shown to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses 2, 3
Applications
- Copper surfaces can be used in a variety of settings, including healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places, to reduce the transmission of infectious microorganisms 2, 4, 5
- The use of copper surfaces can be particularly beneficial in areas where hygiene is critical, such as in hospitals and other healthcare facilities 4, 5