title: [Copper and copper alloys. Technology updates].
abstract: The correlations between copper and copper alloys and human health have been the subject of some recent and extensive scientific researches. The voluntary risks evaluation, which anticipated the EU REACH Directive application, has shown that copper is a "safe" product for human health and for environment. In addition, it could be of great help thanks to its antibacterial properties. Copper tube can contribute in a relevant way to the prevention of water systems pollution by Legionella. Also the spreading of nosocomial infections is significantly contrasted by the use of copper and copper alloys for the production of articles intended for being frequently touched by people. The Environmental Protection Agency of the United States has in fact "registered" as antibacterial over 350 of copper alloys.
authors.affiliation: Istituto Italiano del Rame, Milano, Italy. vincenzo.loconsolo@copperalliance.it
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Loconsolo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Crespi
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D003300:Copper / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007876:Legionellosis / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D003300:Copper