The results of a one-year study led by the medical microbiology research team at Vancouver Coastal Health and hosted by TransLink and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) found select copper products on public transit can eliminate up to 99.9 percent of bacteria.
The 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 select copper products can eliminate up to 99.9 percent of bacteria on public transit and 99.9 percent of viruses in a laboratory setting within two hours of contact.
“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,” said Jonathan Price, CEO, Teck.
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. The testing was crucial, as it demonstrated 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.
“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,” said Dr. Marthe Charles, medical microbiologist, Vancouver Coastal Health.
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. 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 sweat. The copper products showed consistent and sustained antimicrobial activity through the course of the testing, showing cleaners and human use did not affect the efficacy of the copper in killing surface bacteria and viruses.
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.
“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,” said Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO.
The project is the result of a partnership between Teck Resources Limited, TTC, TransLink, Vancouver Coastal Health, Mount Sinai Hospital/University Health Network, the Coalition for Community and Healthcare Acquired Infection Reduction, 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.
“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,” said Angela Chapman, president and CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.
