Euro coins have antimicrobial

In contrast to banknotes, coins, because of their copper content anti-microbial activity: In practical Tests, scientists have demonstrated that bacterial contamination keep on the coins is much worse than on Bank notes. This is true to some extent for viruses like the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

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A Team led by Professor Johannes Knobloch from the University hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf has deliberately engineered a Situation in which the hands from a contaminated surface, bacteria on coins and 5 Euro banknotes have been transferred. Tests directly after the Transfer and after 24 hours showed that all the coins anti-impact microbes: The smaller surface area of the 5-Cent coin has led to a lower amount of transferred bacteria as in 50-Cent and 1-Euro coins. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus was reduced on the various coins after 24 hours by 98.7 to 99.5 percent, the intestinal bacterium Enterococcus faecium to EUR 96.8 to 99.0%. In contrast, the number of bacteria was reduced on the banknotes after 24 hours compared to control (a ceramic tile). Since the bacteria were not completely eliminated from the coins, from the scientists conclude a Transfer of microorganisms but not completely.

The anti-microbial activity on the copper content of the coins, which is between 75 and 89 percent. Banknotes are made from cotton fibers. Recently it has been shown by an American group of researchers is that copper-containing surfaces are also antiviral against SARS-CoV-2, and the viruses stay on them for only four hours infectious – much shorter than on polymeric surfaces such as banknotes.

Knobloch says: "I believe that the risk of Transmission of the Virus by the money, even Bank notes, is to have a personal contact with the index person. In relation to the current Covid-19-pandemic, coins are better than banknotes, if cash is required."

ZOU

Sources: Summary of the study DOI 10.1056/NEJMc2004973

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