EPA Authorizes Virucidal Registration for Copper Alloys

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA; Washington, D.C.) has announced that certain copper alloys provide effective long-term protection against viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The Copper Development Association (CDA; McLean, Va.) says the EPA's approval makes these alloys the first and only products registered for nationwide use with residual, long-lasting efficacy claims against viruses. This EPA action granted an amended registration to the CDA, allowing it to add unprecedented virucidal claims to its existing registration — which currently permits claims against bacteria, including the antibiotic-resistant hospital superbug MRSA.

"The EPA's action enables the broad-spectrum and enduring public health benefits of copper alloys to be deployed in the fight against COVID-19 and future viral pathogens," says Thom Passek, president of CDA. "We are grateful for EPA’s forethought and proactive support to bring this innovative and scientifically-proven solution to the table."

To earn virucidal registration, CDA provided extensive data on harder-to-kill viruses, demonstrating long-lasting virucidal efficacy. Results showed that certain copper alloys continuously kill >99.9% of several viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and Rhinovirus, within two hours of contact. 

Products made from copper alloys can form a wide range of durable surfaces, including doorknobs, handrails, desktops and much more. The alloys are the first products to be included on the EPA's List N Appendix, which contains virucidal products with residual, 24/7 effectiveness — as opposed to conventional disinfectants that only work upon application. 

The CDA would like to remind readers that copper alloy surfaces are a supplement to, and not a substitute for, standard infection control practices, including the need to follow public health guidelines and critical precautions such as mask wearing, social distancing and ventilation.