A study published in PLOS One determined copper masks "may significantly reduce the risk of hand or environmental contamination, and thereby subsequent infection, due to improper handling and disposal of the masks." (It's worth noting, however, that the study was authored by researchers who worked at Cupron, a manufacturer of copper masks.)įor copper masks to work properly, however, they need to be made with enough copper to fight viruses. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the virus lasted on copper for just a few hours, compared with days on stainless steel and plastic-although the New York Times notes that researchers do not think surfaces are the primary way the coronavirus transmits from person to person.Īnd copper masks have been shown to potentially be effective in stemming the spread of viruses. Research has shown that copper potentially could fight the new coronavirus, as well. Should you use copper to fight the new coronavirus?
#Tommie copper masks free#
Research suggests that certain immune cells, called macrophages, may be able to envelop and separate germs in an acidic "ball of death" chamber, which is then spiked with copper doses fatal to the germ, Johnson said.Īccording to Michael Schmidt, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, copper's ability to fight viruses is like a "grenade." When the metal interacts with oxygen, it creates a very reactive molecule known as a free radical, which comes into contact with a virus and causes it to "literally explode," Schmidt said. The human immune system also utilizes copper to fight germs. "If 40% of your proteins don't work, you don't work," Johnson said. For instance, according to Michael Johnson, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona, metal ions are found in around 40% of proteins with known structures-and when copper works its way into a cell or a virus, it can displace other metal ions, which can inhibit or destroy proteins. The ions can then access the inside of the germ, affecting its genetic material.Ĭopper can also affect microbes in other ways. coli, salmonella, and influenza.Īccording to Karrera Djoko, a biochemist and microbiologist at Durham University, when copper comes into contact with a germ, it has the ability to release reactive ions that puncture the exterior of the germ. How copper kills germsĬopper is known for killing microbes and has been shown to help limit the spread of E. Just how effective are masks at stopping coronavirus? Here's what new research says.
But experts say consumers should be cautious, as copper isn't a cure-all against the new coronavirus.
Over the past few months, there has been a surge in the market for materials laced with copper-including face masks, bedsheets, and socks-with manufacturers touting the metal's germ-killing ability.
0 kommentar(er)
