Copper fittings, utensils and work surfaces may be about to be a dominant feature in the kitchen, as research suggests it is particularly effective in eliminating one of the most noxious bacterial strains to emerge in the past 20 years, E. coli 0157.
The research conducted at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CAMR) in Wiltshire, Britain, shows copper has a bacteriocidal affect at between 4C and 18C, which covers the range of temperatures that could be found in a typical refrigerator or domestic kitchen. Moreover, the metal reduces or eliminates E. coli 0157, which is increasingly responsible for often fatal outbreaks of bacterial gastroenteritis.
While the bug is easily killed by cooking and most healthy adults make a full recovery after infection, the very young and older people can become seriously ill from it. It causes kidney failure in about 10 per cent of cases. Central nervous system disease, seizures and blood clots in the brain may also develop and, ultimately, be fatal. The necessity to keep it in check is underlined by increasing cases and fatalities, with every indication Ireland will follow such international trends despite having a low incidence at present. The pathogen typically infects food that contacts contaminated work surfaces. If confirmed, the research - supported by the International Copper Association's environmental and human health programme - is likely to lead to the introduction of copper countertops, work surfaces and utensils in kitchens, restaurants and slaughter houses. The ICA believes it will probably lead to an entirely new family of copper products evolving as a result.
In addition, copper tube plumbing may provide similar antiseptic action on waterborne E. coli 0157, which in some countries is an increasing source of infection.
Confirming research on this new role for copper and other related issues is due to be completed by CAMR by the end of 1999.
Copper is attracting a lot of attention of late. The US government recently issued a paper about its beneficial health effects for humans, plants and animals, and on the need to incorporate small but regular amounts in the diet. It did not, however, set a specific recommended dietary allowance (RDA).
The New York Times reported last month that Italian clothing manufacturer, Corpo Nove, had integrated a copper-lined "safety pocket" into its newest raincoat design. The pocket is intended to shield the body from emissions from cellular phones, and the jacket is available at Barney's of New York for $595 - the scientific evidence suggesting the need for this measure, however, remains unclear.