Revealing the Healing Properties of Copper

Revealing the Healing Properties of Copper

The chemical element, copper, holds the title of many firsts, including the first metal to be used by humans, the first metal to be smelted from its core, the first metal to be cast into a shape in a mold, and the first metal to be purposefully alloyed with another metal (tin) to create bronze. Since 8,000 BC, copper has been a staple to our thriving civilization, in more ways than one.

While copper is recognized as a metal, it’s also the third most prevalent mineral in the human body but cannot be produced within the body itself. People obtain the benefits from this element from certain food sources, using copper cookware, and maybe even through their own drinking water. Certain health benefits include brain stimulation, utilization of iron and sugar, prevention of premature aging, increased energy production, and much more.

In addition to the above-mentioned health benefits, (dry) copper also has the ability to kill bacteria upon contact. According to asm.org, in a matter of minutes, metallic copper surfaces kill microbes on contact, thus killing bacteria populations upon exposure. Since 50,000 to 100,000 Americans die from a bacteria infection annually, hospitals have invested in as many copper-based materials and structures as possible in their facilities.

Copper is commonly found within your water system. When it comes to the pipes and parts that allow water to travel through your underground pipes, A.Y. McDonald’s UNS brass alloys consist of tested and true chemical formulas. Between our no-lead (C89833) and lead (C83600) alloys, copper by far makes up the majority of the chemical make-up. See the graphics below for proof of this fact. Certain A.Y. McDonald plumbing parts are also created from copper materials, such as our press fit product line.

With history on its side, copper shows us time and time again that this element is essential to everyday life. Who knew something that could be used as a medicine could also be located within water works brass alloys and used as one of the most popular plumbing pipe materials in the industry?