Does copper kill germs?
Yes, it is effective against COVID-19 within 4 hours.
Copper can kill viruses and other germs by disrupting the protective layers of the organisms and interfering with its vital processes.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the coronavirus pandemic, is no longer infectious on copper within 4 hours, whereas it can survive on plastic surfaces for 72 hours.
Copper has many applications in hospitals and other places where germs are likely to spread.
This article was medically reviewed by Tania Elliott, MD, who specializes in infectious diseases related to allergies and immunology for internal medicine at NYU Langone Health.