Copper kills almost all bacteria on high-touch surfaces, TransLink study shows

Results of a study led by Metro Vancouver's transit operator reveal copper on high-touch surfaces is lethal to bacteria.

A statement from TransLink says the findings of the industry-leading trial show copper products kill up to 99.9 per cent of all bacteria within one hour of surface contact.

As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TransLink was the first transit agency in North America to test copper on high-touch surfaces.

The pilot study was launched after unrelated studies showed copper is both durable and effective at killing germs.

Phase 1 of the pilot, which was fully funded by mining firm Teck Resources, began last November and continued for five weeks on surfaces of two buses and two SkyTrain cars.

A second phase will begin in the coming months using a larger sample to verify the results, testing copper over a longer period on more transit vehicles, and focusing tests on the most effective products identified from Phase 1.

TransLink interim CEO Gigi Chen-Kuo says they are excited to find out more about the impact of copper on viruses such as the ones that cause COVID-19.

"This research could help us, other transit agencies, and anyone with surfaces in shared public spaces keep high-touch areas as clean as possible," she saidin the statement.

The project stems from a partnership between TransLink, Teck, Vancouver Coastal Health, the University of British Columbia and the VGHandUBC Hospital Foundation.

Teck funded the initial phase as part of its Copper andHealth program and the company will also support Phase 2.