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Welcome to the first Interest Group ezine of 2011, offering news of the latest antimicrobial copper installations - from a daycare centre in Japan to an eco-friendly care home in France - and a breakthrough for heating and ventilation with the launch of the world's first antimicrobial copper air conditioner.
The number of companies signing up to use the Cu+ mark is growing and the AntimicrobialCopper.com Supplier Directory is now populated with a range of available products.
Copper Development Association aims to raise awareness of Antimicrobial Copper through participation in a series of events throughout the year, targeting infection control professionals, architects, designers, manufacturers and specifiers.
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Tokyo Kindergarten
| | Protecting children against infections
Mejiro Daycare Center for Children, located in Hachioji City in Tokyo, is meeting parents' demand for a safer environment for their children by using copper alloy touch surfaces that have intrinsic antimicrobial activity. Mejiro has installed items in brass - an alloy of copper that benefits from its antimicrobial properties - in key areas around the facility. Hand washing basins, taps, food serving tables, serving trolleys and door furniture have been replaced to improve hygiene. Director Shoji Hiiragizawa explains: "We had already implemented infection control by introducing air purification units and ensuring children wash their hands properly, but were still searching for better measures. The introduction of copper has given us a great opportunity to educate children and parents about infection prevention. We explain to the children 'copper defeats bacteria for us', and then talk to them about what they can do to avoid infection." More |
Copper Air Conditioner
| | World first for air conditioning giant Chigo
 The world's first antimicrobial copper air conditioner was launched in December in Beijing by the Chinese air conditioning giant Chigo, in association with the International Copper Association. This ground-breaking product harnesses the antimicrobial properties of copper for a new application. In addition to this, it offers record-breaking energy-saving performance.
HVAC system components operate in warm, dark, humid environments that are ideal breeding grounds for contamination that causes odours and can inhibit system efficiency. Laboratory testing has shown that copper materials can inhibit the growth of these organisms. After 24 hours of exposure to copper surfaces, total die-off was observed in several common mould species, and the commonly-used aluminium had no effect on any of the fungi.
According to Chigo Group Vice President Dr Zheng Zuyi, the new air conditioner is the latest in a long line of innovative products from the company, and there will be more to come: "Chigo, as a market leader, has always looked to producing the healthiest and quietest air conditioner and adopting the most energy-saving air conditioning technology. This new product will lead a positive new market trend towards healthier home appliances."
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Eco Care Home Specifies Copper
| | New facility leads the way in France
A pioneering care home for the elderly with an integrated nursery, opened this January, is the first healthcare facility in France to implement copper touch surfaces to help reduce the risk of infections. Not only did they choose it for antimicrobial efficacy, but also to contribute to the building's key environmental credentials.
The new Centre Inter Générationnel Multi Accueil (CIGMA) in Laval, France consists of a nursery for 35 infants and a 60-bed care home for dependent elderly people, and is equipped throughout with copper handrails and door handles.
CIGMA's director, Michel Porhel, explains the building's ethos: "CIGMA is exemplary. The prevention of infectious illnesses is an absolute priority for us, both in the care areas and living spaces. From the beginning, strict environmental and sanitary constraints have been set. As with the copper, all the materials were selected for the advantages they provide as much as for technical considerations and their effect on the residents and young children."
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