LS Nikko Dongjeomyeon Replaces Door Handles with Antibacterial Virus-Eliminating Coating at Onsan Elementary School

An employee of LS Nikko Copper is installing antimicrobial copper door handles at Onsan Elementary School.

[Photo by LS Nikko Copper]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] LS Nikko Copper Refinery announced on the 27th that it installed antibacterial copper door handles at Onsan Elementary School in collaboration with Ulsan Ulju Southern Comprehensive Social Welfare Center.

They explained that as the COVID-19 pandemic prolonged and local infections expanded, companies, institutions, and schools united to protect the health of children.

LS Nikko Copper Refinery fully funded the project with 10 million KRW. Thirteen LS Nikko Copper Refinery employees and four representatives from the Ulju Southern Comprehensive Social Welfare Center participated in the activity.

They directly replaced 160 door handles in all restrooms within Onsan Elementary School with antibacterial copper handles. Generally, copper alloys with a purity of 65% or higher have the ability to eliminate bacteria and viruses, which is why they are called 'antibacterial copper.'

Copper door handles eliminate most infectious agents on their surfaces after a certain period, making them especially useful for children, who are less skilled in hygiene management than adults. LS Nikko Copper Refinery explained that the door handles they installed have a purity of over 90%, so stable effects are expected.

In 2011, LS Nikko Copper Refinery, Asan Medical Center, and the International Copper Association jointly conducted clinical trials proving antibacterial properties against superbugs and E. coli. This year, the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also released research showing that COVID-19 is eliminated within four hours after contact with copper surfaces.

Do Seok-gu, CEO of LS Nikko Copper Refinery, said, "We are proud to be able to use the copper we produce for the local community that always supports our company," and added, "We express our gratitude to Onsan Elementary School for giving us this great opportunity."