I’ve seen some copper flashlights on here. Just wondering if these are anti-microbial in the way regular old copper is? Are copper flashlights typically anodized, which probably takes away from the anti-microbial properties? Can you call out andy pure copper flashlights without any kind of coating?
Many copper flashlights are uncoated. I have 3, and all are uncoated.
Copper isn’t anodized, but some manufacturers might coat the copper with a layer of plastic. Something like Protectaclear. But most copper flashlights seem completely uncoated. You can tell these ones because they develop a patina like an old penny.
Copper is antimicrobial via the oligodynamic effect. But if you’re thinking you’ll clean your hands of coronavirus by fondling your copper flashlight in your pocket you should think again.
Covid-19 can survive for up to 4 hours on copper. This is shorter than the 3 days or so on steel or aluminum, but clearly longer than is practical for most purposes.
Basically with an all-copper light, you can probably set it aside, come back 4 hours later and then reasonably assume that any Covid-19 on it is dead. Of course this only applies to the copper pieces though. Even lights made from copper have portions that are made from other materials where Covid-19 can survive longer (clip, lens, switchboot or button, etc.).
silver works even better, and it stick really good to copper during galvanization process. it should not be that hard to galvanize one with silver, should it?