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41 votes
Why is copper an important addition to coins and handrails?

User Tom Robinson
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1 Answer

14 votes
14 votes

Answer:

Coins -

Copper is easily made into coins thanks to their workability and provide good resistance to impact and wear. These features are indispensable to items that will be continuously handled.

Handrails -

Harmful bacteria and fungi are transferred to touch surfaces such as railings and can persist for as long as 30 days, transferring to whatever touches them (i.e. you—holding the railing while walking up hospital stairs to visit a loved one). And in stainless-steel and aluminum touch surfaces, these bacteria can remain undisturbed, even after cleaning. Fortunately, coppers unique antimicrobial (an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth) properties allow it to kill microbes on touch, preventing the spread of these harmful bacteria. In short, copper alloys can kill microbes with extraordinary efficiency, often within a few hours or less.

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User Ammar Bandukwala
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