During the American West's conquest, pioneers often placed a silver coin in their milk jugs, convinced that the metal prevented spoilage. Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, who lost his nose in a sword fight in 1566, had a silver prosthesis made for its antiseptic abilities. However, it was later discovered to be made of copper, which also possesses powerful antiseptic properties. The primary distinction between the two metals is their cost, with copper being substantially more affordable.
Copper, also known as "red gold" due to its hue, has been used by humans for thousands of years. In fact, copper artifacts dated back to 8700 B.C. have been unearthed.
Copper and Public Health
Copper's official role in public health began in the United States in 1976, following a mysterious epidemic in a Philadelphia hotel. A previously unseen bacterium, Legionella, infiltrated the hotel's air conditioning system, infecting 221 people and resulting in 34 deaths.
In response to this tragedy, governments implemented pipeline hygiene regulations, and copper emerged as the most cost-effective and efficient solution. When bacteria, fungi, and algae come into contact with copper, they absorb its atoms and ultimately perish. This property, known as oligodynamics, renders metals like copper more sterile than wood or plastic.
This is why doorknobs and handrails in public spaces are typically metallic. Similarly, the metal composition of coins, which could potentially spread bacteria as they change hands, consists of a high copper content, such as the 1-euro coin that contains 75% copper, 20% zinc, and 5% nickel.
While Italy is not abundant in copper, small mines can be found throughout the country. Copper was typically extracted from fine veins in these quarries, yielding ores with relatively low copper content. Some of Italy's most significant mines are located in Predoi, Montecatini, and the Caporciano mine in the Cecina Valley. Globally, copper consumption reaches approximately 20 million tons annually.
Written by Chatsonic
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