Research and studies seem to agree that copper is indeed anti-bacterial. Copper has for the longest time been known for its anti-microbial effects. It kills pathogens / viruses within minutes. There has been many studies that confirm that a virus that would survive for days on plastic or stainless steel surfaces would be killed within minutes on a copper surface.
The technical explanation is that copper’s specific atomic makeup means it has one free electron in its outer orbital shell which increases copper’s oxidation-reduction reactions. The copper’s ions also help blasting the pathogen, preventing cell respiration, destroying the cell membrane/viral coating and especially on dry surfaces, the free radicals accelerate the kill. The ions seek and destroy the DNA and RNA inside the bacteria.
So, not only does copper have its distinct and attractive sonic qualities when talking about saxophone necks (for instance the Vanguard hand hammered copper), it is also one of the most effective “germ-killer” metals you can find!
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