Copper Tape Handle Cover FAQ
What is the Shieldex® copper tape?
Shieldex® Copper-Tape is a copper-plated polyamide fleece (refined with pure copper) with a self-adhesive foil on the back. It can be easily attached to door handles, window handles, shopping trolleys, elevator buttons, pin terminals or other potential germ sources. Various international studies have shown that copper's antiviral, antibacterial and fungicidal properties can drastically reduce the half-life of viruses, bacteria and fungi.
At present, it is repeatedly discussed that a transmission of viruses and bacteria via door handles and other surfaces does not pose a risk of infection.
The currently widespread statement that corona viruses are not transmissible via surfaces is an individual statement by a German virologist. According to his results so far, he believes that "a door handle can only be infectious if someone has coughed into the hand and then reached for it." If the results were assumed to be correct, infection would still be present via this not unusual case according to this statement.
US experts have other indications:
On the other hand, experts from the US health institute NIH and the CSC have concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive for up to 3 days on plastics or stainless steel, 24 hours on paper and up to three hours in aerosols. For this reason, US dollar banknotes have already been withdrawn from circulation and quarantined. Coin money, on the other hand, does not, because it consists of a large extent (up to 91.67%) of copper and thus disinfects itself.
In addition, all published procedural instructions to contain the pandemic, such as sneezing and coughing exclusively in the crook of your arm or washing your hands regularly, as well as the advice not to touch your face, would be obsolete if contact infection can be ruled out.
We continue to rely on the knowledge and recommendations for action published by the Robert Koch Institute. The RKI writes the following in this respect:”. In coronaviruses, which can cause respiratory diseases, transmission occurs primarily via secretions of the respiratory tract. If these infectious secretions reach the hands, which then touch the face, for example, it is possible that transmission will also occur in this way. Good hand hygiene is therefore an important part of prevention. In general, the transfer possibilities via surfaces depend on many different factors.
Basically, and independently of the current and acute situation, door handles, window handles and other surfaces always pose a risk of infection. Unfortunately, lack of hand hygiene or sneezing or coughing in the hands is still not uncommon and thus the danger of spreading pathogens on surfaces is omnipresent.
What should be considered when using Shieldex® copper tape?
The product serves the purpose of greatly reducing the survival time of bacteria and viruses on surfaces - The product should be seen as a supplementary measure and does not replace thorough hand hygiene.
The product should be kept away from power sources, as copper is highly conductive.
Always keep the product away from children.
Avoid eye and mouth contact with the product.
Copper can cause allergic reactions.
Over time, the colour of the copper tape can change through oxidation, which is a natural process.
How do I attach the Shieldex® copper tape?
When applying the adhesive, make sure that the substrate is dry, free of oil, grease, dust and dirt.
Remove the backing material.
Position the wider side of the tape (10cm) centrally on the latch so that the widest possible coverage of the application surface is achieved. Press the tape firmly and guide it evenly around the handle so that the start and end edges overlap slightly on the underside. Then smooth the textile with your fingers from the centre outwards. When sticking the tape, make sure that neither folds nor air pockets are formed under the adhesive. Then smooth the textile with your fingers from the centre outwards. When sticking the tape, make sure that neither folds nor air pockets are formed under the adhesive. When sticking the tape, make sure that neither folds nor air pockets are formed under the adhesive.
Firm attachment to the substrate is essential for the adhesive's adhesion.
Can I attach the Shieldex® copper tape to a location other than a door handle?
Basically, the copper tape can be applied and used on all smooth surfaces. If your application areas have different dimensions, you can also cut the copper tape to the desired dimensions with household scissors.
Is the Shieldex® copper tape also available in different sizes?
The standardised size for all round door handles is 8 cm x 10 cm. For an order quantity of 1,000 pieces, individual cutting in any shape and size is also possible. You can send us your individual requests by mail to sales@jhcss.com.au
Is Shieldex® copper tape also available for round door knobs?
So far, there is no specially tailored product for round door knobs. If you simply cut the copper tape to the desired size, it can also be used flexibly for round door knobs.
Is there a certificate of harmlessness with regard to allergenic reactions of the skin on contact with the copper?
So far, there is no specially tailored product for round door knobs. If you simply cut the copper tape to the desired size, it can also be used flexibly for round door knobs.
Is there a certificate of harmlessness with regard to allergenic reactions of the skin on contact with the copper?
Since there is no scientifically unambiguous finding on this question, we cannot make any definitive statements either. In everyday life, people come into contact with copper in the form of e.g. jewellery, water pipes, cables, coins, wind instruments such as trumpets, pots or even as contraceptives.
However, permanent skin contact is not recommended. In the well-known Wiley network, which deals with serious, scientific work on various topics, the following quotation can be found:
“The mechanisms that lead to the various symptoms of acute and chronic toxicity of copper, which are relatively well documented even in humans, as well as the concentrations that trigger symptoms in individual cases, are hardly known. Copper allergies in general are extremely rare.
A very interesting article on this topic from a non-scientific but highly frequented source: Quote: “… It can be concluded that copper is a very weak sensitiser and has a very low allergenic potential compared to other metal compounds, although as a metal it has properties similar to nickel. However, the number of copper sensitisations described and clearly proven in the literature is very small and even rarer are the cases that appear clinically relevant.”.
Can germs collect on the edges / border areas of Shieldex® copper tape?
No! Through the unique metallisation process, each individual filament of the textile is metallized three-dimensionally, so that the positive properties of copper are also present on the edges and directly on the adhesive edge.
What certificates and test results prove the effectiveness of Shieldex® copper tape?
We have commissioned an independent study from the renowned Hohenstein Institute and successfully tested the antiviral and antibacterial effectiveness of our copper textiles. Our tested copper textile has been attested a significant antiviral activity compared to the test virus used (MS2 phage). In another, independent laboratory, we commissioned an ion release test in comparison with solid copper. It could be proven that our textile and its three-dimensionally copper-plated surface had a 7 times higher release of copper ions compared to full copper. The antiviral, antibacterial and fungicidal mechanism of action of copper is based on the release of copper ions. Irrespective of this, the antiviral, antibacterial and fungicidal properties of copper have already been described in countless scientific and publicly available test results 1, 2, 3, 4. If you would like more information about the test results, please contact us at sales@jhcss.com.au
Do bacteria and viruses survive longer on plastic and stainless steel than on copper?
YES! Stainless steel and plastic are the most commonly used materials for door handles and window handles. According to an American study the survival time of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is 72 hours on plastic and 48 hours on stainless steel. During this time, the pathogens can be transferred from one hand to another.
On copper, however, no active and transmissible SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected after only 4 hours. The exponentially fast inactivation of the pathogens can be explained by the release of copper ions. As the materials used for Shieldex® copper tape have been shown to release copper ions 7 times more than full copper, it can be assumed that the effect is even faster and more significant. The positive properties of copper are also well known and also the reason why copper door blades are already omnipresent in hospitals, for example.
Does the Shieldex® copper tape work even if it is dirty?
Yes, slight soiling during the course of use is normal and does not affect the effectiveness.
When should Shieldex® copper tape be replaced?
The duration of use varies depending on the area of application and corresponding stress. If the Shieldex® copper-tape is heavily soiled or oxidized, replacement is recommended.
Can the Shieldex® copper tape be additionally disinfected?
YES! Commercially available surface disinfectants based on ethanol and 2-propanol are suitable for additional surface disinfection and do not damage the material.
External References
- Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface
Inactivation of Norovirus on Dry Copper Alloy Surfaces
Inactivation of Influenza A Virus on Copper Versus Stainless Steel Surfaces - Aerosol & Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1
- Copper Against Germs: Asklepios Harburg Clinic Ensures Patient Safety
- Shieldex Laboratory Reports