Science

Copper door handles and taps kill superbugs

As to the scientists making door handles, taps and light switches from copper could help the country beat superbugs. A study found that copper fittings rapidly killed bugs on hospital wards, succeeding where other infection control measures failed.

In the trial at Selly Oak hospital, in Birmingham, copper taps, toilet seats and push plates on doors all but eliminated common bugs. It is thought the metal 'suffocates' germs, preventing them breathing. It may also stop them from feeding and destroy their DNA.

Lab tests show that the metal kills off the deadly MRSA and C difficile superbugs.

It also kills other dangerous germs, including the flu virus and the E coli food poisoning bug. Although the number of cases of MRSA and C difficile is falling, the two bugs still claim thousands of lives a year.

The copper items had up to 95 per cent fewer bugs on their surface whenever they were tested.