The certain ability to kill viruses and bacteria belongs to the natural characteristics of heavy metals in general. However, copper’s specific atomic makeup gives it an extra killing power. Thanks to a free electron in its outer orbital shell of electrons, oxidation-reduction reactions are more potent than other metals and therefore more effective in combating the viruses and bacteria. 

When a microbe lands on copper, ions blast the pathogen and prevent cell respiration. It punches holes in its outer coating, creating free radicals and thus accelerating the kill. And not just that. The ions seek and destroy DNA and RNA inside a bacteria or virus, preventing the mutation resistant to drugs. This process is known as “contact killing”, as the destruction of harmful microbes begins immediately upon contact to copper. 

Researches and studies around the world have confirmed that using copper alloys in frequently-touched surfaces significantly reduces spread of infections and an increasing number of countries have started implementing copper into their health care systems. The EPA has registered about 500 copper surfaces as antimicrobial and proven copper to be a natural antimicrobial agent. 

No wonder that copper's intrinsic ability to create an antimicrobial ionic field has made it a vital element of human good health for all of recorded history. The first recorded use of copper as an infection-killing agent comes from Smith's Papyrus, the oldest-known medical document.