In its new range of polished brass fittings which are made from antimicrobial copper – a material recognised for its role in infection control – Cobra Watertech has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and the use of cutting-edge technology.
The range includes medical taps, mixers and plumbers brassware, all manufactured from polished dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass, a copper alloy which surpasses the minimum copper content required for acceptance as an antimicrobial copper.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), antimicrobial copper has been described as “the world’s most effective antimicrobial touch surface material”. Antimicrobial copper is the only solid touch surface material registered with the EPA that is sanctioned to make public health claims.Antimicrobial copper fittings have been tested in clinical trials around the world in various medical wards (geriatric, intensive care and general medical wards), for local clinical strains of organisms, and in various national healthcare settings. Initial results from trials conducted at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham in the UK found a 90 to 100% reduction in contamination on copper touch surfaces compared to their non-copper counterparts; a finding now supported by results from other trials.
Independent laboratory tests have further proved that copper and copper alloys kill 99.9% of bacteria within two hours, as long as they are cleaned regularly according to routine disinfection programmes.
This has made fittings produced from antimicrobial copper highly sought after for medical facilities. In South Africa Cobra has seen demand for its range of polished brass products increase steadily.
Natie van der Westhuizen, Cobra Watertech technical director, says, “We’ve been producing this range for about a year and have supplied a number of healthcare projects around the country.”
While the range currently comprises more than 20 products Van der Westhuizen says it will be expanded according to demand. “These products are made on a project by project basis so there is scope for us to grow the range in the future,” he says.
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