The Science Explained
Does Copper Kill Germs?
Numerous scientific studies along with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have confirmed that copper is antimicrobial. This means it kills microbes on contact. Thanks to this rare and lifesaving attribute, copper has helped mankind for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used it to keep longstanding drinking water pure and also to sterilize chest wounds. It was not until the late 1800's that science actually realized what copper was doing to the germs. When antibiotics came out in the 1920's, copper and its amazing uses took a back seat in the health industry. Now copper's germ fighting value is making a come back. Certain hospitals*, airports, and gyms have been bringing in antimicrobial copper surfaces to help prevent the spread of deadly viruses and bacteria. Copper Rescue® is the first affordable natural germ defense type of tool to take advantage of all the benefits of antimicrobial copper.
*American Journal of Infection Control: Hospital cuts down spread of HAI's using copper.
How Copper Rescue® Eliminates Germs
In recent years following the EPA recognition, it has become fairly common knowledge that copper is antimicrobial and a natural sanitizer. We are seeing more and more copper hardware and surfaces in public places to aid in the treatment of ailments and cut down the spread of germs. These new alternatives are perfect germ fighting multitools for those interested in holistic medicine.
So how exactly does copper kill germs, and why can Copper Rescue® do so many amazing things, like support the body to deal with colds and cold sores?
First things first, what is a microbe?
Microbes (or germs) are microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus. These tiny organisms are everywhere, living in, on, and around us, every day of our lives. Since these little creatures are almost everywhere and grow exponentially. eliminating them is no easy task. Even with regular cleaning, stainless steel surfaces often have thousands of various microbes living on them. To our benefit, only a small percentage of these creatures are harmful to humans. It is these microbes (pathogens/germs) that cause colds, cold sores, influenza, and other infections. Thankfully, there are ways of stopping these "sickening" germs. Common practices include hand washing and disinfecting high touch surfaces. However, nature has provided a better solution, cutting down on waste, cost, and time invested. There are certain elements that naturally kill germs on contact. The most effective element with this property is copper. Pure copper is known to kill a wide variety of harmful microbes, and the best part is it starts working right away.
How does copper atom break down microbes?
There are various theories to why pure copper kills germs, but it all comes down to the amazing conductivity and structure of the copper atom. In short: the electron exchange between the surface of the Copper Rescue® and the germ cell ruptures the cell's membrane creating structural damage and allowing a full blown attack on the internal components. This process has been given the name "contact killing." Since the copper atom uses multiple methods to kill the microbe, the effects are extremely fast. After just 1 minute the Copper Rescue® has a devastating affect on all kinds of germs.
Opening the Attack
As soon as copper atoms come in contact with a germ cell, electrons rupture the cell membrane (or cell wall). This is due to two unique factors: membrane potential and copper ions.
1. Membrane Potential is the voltage difference between the inside and outside of the cell. The cell naturally creates this separation of charged particles to allow the osmosis or "breathing" of the cell to take place. The charge usually ranges from -40 to -80 mV. The cell does this by moving positively charged ions to the center or outside of the cell. The resulting negatively charged ions are concentrated just inside the cell membrane. This is where copper ions come in.
2. Copper Ions are charged copper atoms (the most common state of copper). In most cases they are "missing" 1 or 2 electrons from the atom (creating a positive charge), and thus named cu+ and cu2+. The most supported theory is that when these ions come in contact with a microbe, they "short circuit" the membrane potential of the cell. Since there is a constant voltage difference, the positively charged copper ion acts as a "ground" to disrupt it. This causes the cell membrane to be ruptured, allowing copper atoms to be absorbed into the cell, initiating the next phase of destruction.
The Science Behind Tarnishing
Tarnishing is usually thought of as a negative concept. However, in the case of killing germs, the chemistry behind tarnishing plays a huge role. Tarnished copper is caused by the copper atoms bonding with surrounding particles, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and even plain oxygen. This results in a new compound, often dulling exterior of a copper item, even sometimes creating a green appearance or patina. Since individual copper atoms are always looking to bond with surrounding particles, as soon as copper is absorbed into the microbe it bonds with vital structures inside the cell. This immediately causes important functions in the cell to cease. The germ cell is no longer capable of breathing, eating, creating energy, or replicating itself, causing immediate death. The reason copper tarnishes is part of the reason it is so powerful against germs. Since the various methods that copper uses to kills germs are so over powered and efficient, germs are deactivated before they are able to replicate and therefore spread the infection or sickness.
Keep It Effective
Although the science behind the tarnishing process plays a huge role in killing germs, tarnish itself can have a negative effect. Since a tarnished surface limits the exposure of pure copper atoms, a tarnished Copper Rescue® will not be as effective as a clean one. To remove the tarnish, we recommend simply soaking the Copper Rescue in distilled white vinegar for up to 5 minutes, rinsing quickly with water, and drying well. Then return it to packaging. This will remove a tarnished layer and increase effectiveness by freeing up copper atoms on the surface; allowing for more germ killing when treating a cold or a cold sore. Even a thin layer of oil from our skin can impede the germ killing process, so we recommend wiping your Rescue with a clean dry cloth after each use.
Why does it target bacteria and viruses?
Only microbes are susceptible to copper due to their extremely small size. Copper is able to target and kill these cells because their membrane (or cell wall) is extremely thin, especially compared to human skin cells. The difference between our cells and microbes allows copper to kill off the harmful organisms, while not harming your individual cells; providing a safe and effective way to eliminate germs.
How does the Copper Rescue® help support the body when dealing with colds?
The common cold and flu are often caused by viruses transmitted through the air or across touch surfaces. Before a person becomes infected they have to acquire the virus, either picking it up on their hands or by breathing it in. The Copper Rescue® is a holistic medicine alternative that can be used as a cold preventative when you are around sick people, by naturally sanitizing and killing these germs both on the hands and in the nose. Even after the virus has taken hold, it has to incubate in the back lower part of the nostril. The Copper Rescue® is specifically designed to be able to access this germ hot spot.
If you take proper nasal action within two hours of feeling a cold coming on, the Copper Rescue® can help stop the cold before full blown symptoms develop. We often hear from customers who missed this key window, but still were able to shorten the duration of their cold. Catching the cold early, and using a clean Rescue are very important for effective results. It is important to follow the instructions for safe and effective use.
How does the Copper Rescue® help support the body when dealing with cold sores?
Since cold sores are also caused by viruses, the naturopathic Copper Rescue® can have amazing results on them. When rubbed on a cold sore in the early stages, the copper atoms attack the virus, killing it before the cold sore gets to the blister stage. The more contact with the virus the quicker the results. Follow the instructions for safe and effective. Some people are even seeing results in less results in less than a day. No more painful blisters. Keep your lips healthy and beautiful. People that seek holistic alternatives rave about our naturopathic copper wand.
How effective is it?
A clean Copper Rescue® will kill germs within seconds. This being said, receiving help with colds and cold sores falls entirely into the hands of the user. It must be used properly and in the early stages (for colds/cold sores) to deactivate enough viruses/bacteria for you to see results. You must be diligent in your "germ exterminating". It is comforting to be able to have a proven and naturopathic germ killing tool.
*We have testimonials of customers reporting: they used it after they were already sick, yet still it significantly shortened the duration of their sickness.
Due to the many methods that copper uses to kills germs, copper has a deadly effect on a wide variety of harmful microbes. The naturopathic benefits of pure copper are endless, and now they are available to you in one convenient personal health and wellness tool. Equip yourself today and defend against germs for years to come.
Through proper application, the Copper Rescue® design allows for amazing results.
From the Beginning
Copper was one of the very first metals ever worked with by man.
Vital for Life
Our bodies need Copper in many places including: red blood cells, the nervous system, the immune system, and connective tissue such as skin and hair cells.
A Diverse Tool
Apart from electrical systems copper is used to reduce the growth of green algae in the sea vessel industry and to reduce mold in certain construction projects.
Finally
In a succession of cholera epidemics in Paris the health benefits of copper were brought to the spotlight. Copper workers in the midst of the outbreak showed immunity to the sickness. This was credited to their continual interaction with copper products.
Ancient Health
Ancient Greek and Romans used copper to treat ear aches and sterilize wounds. Around 2000 B.C. Egyptians used copper to keep long standing drinking water pure.
Copper Is The Future
Although copper was pushed aside by the rise of antibiotics, the health community is reinstating it as an important tool in decreasing the spread of deadly infections. Copper is even being used as an added substance in the development of new vaccines.
More Facts About Copper
Finally
In a succession of cholera epidemics in Paris the health benefits of copper were brought to the spotlight. Copper workers in the midst of the outbreak showed immunity to the sickness. This was credited to their continual interaction with copper products.
