Healthy Materials Series: Copper
As part of our Healthy Materials series exploring healthy and sustainable options for the home, we discover the beauty, longevity and natural antimicrobial properties of copper.
WORDS Elissa Rose
Copper has been used by humans for over 10,000 years, first by Neolithic communities who shaped it into tools, vessels and decorative items. In Ancient Egypt and Rome, copper was prized for its durability and beauty, often used in architecture, jewelry, cookware and currency. Its role expanded with the Industrial Age, where it became essential in plumbing, wiring and roofing. Today, copper continues to serve both practical and aesthetic purposes in the home, found in sinks, bathtubs, cookware, lighting, hardware and even countertops. Naturally antimicrobial and fully recyclable, copper offers an elegant blend of health, sustainability and heritage.
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View of an open copper mine. Photo courtesy of Adriana D./Adobe |
Health Impact
Copper is one of the few materials with inherent antimicrobial properties, meaning it can kill bacteria, viruses and fungi on contact without the need for chemical additives. This makes it particularly valuable in high-touch areas such as door handles, faucets, light switches and countertops, where it continuously works to reduce the microbial load. Studies in a healthcare context have confirmed that copper alloys can kill more than 99.7 percent of certain bacteria within an hour.
In cookware, copper provides excellent thermal conductivity, allowing for even heating and precise temperature control. However, bare copper can react with acidic foods and cause copper leaching, which can be toxic in large amounts. For this reason, lined copper cookware, typically with stainless steel or tin, is considered the safest option for cooking.
Cleaning copper can also pose health considerations. Many conventional polishes contain harsh solvents or ammonia that can off-gas and contribute to indoor air pollution. Fortunately, copper can be cleaned effectively using natural, non-toxic methods (see below). In interiors, copper ages beautifully, developing a natural patina over time that doesn’t compromise its antimicrobial properties. This oxidation is purely aesthetic and can be embraced or gently removed depending on preference.
Environmental Impact
Copper is a 100 percent recyclable material and can be reused indefinitely without loss of quality. In fact, around 80 percent of the copper ever mined is still in use today. It has a relatively long lifespan, roofs and piping made from copper can last over 50 years, reducing the need for replacement and contributing to resource conservation. Copper mining, however, is energy-intensive and can have significant environmental impacts if not responsibly managed. For this reason, opting for recycled copper products or pieces made from post-consumer waste helps reduce demand for new extraction.
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Copper is one of the Amoretti Brothers favorite materials to work with, handmaking their artisanal products in Mexico. Photo courtesy of Amoretti Brothers |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Naturally antimicrobial, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and high-touch surfaces.
- Fully recyclable and highly durable.
- Conducts heat efficiently, perfect for cookware.
- Develops a unique, natural patina over time.
- Non-toxic when not chemically treated or coated.
Cons:
- Can leach into food if cookware is unlined.
- Commercial copper polish may contain harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).
- Mining has environmental impacts unless using recycled copper.
- Can scratch or dent more easily than harder metals.
- May oxidize in humid or acidic environments if not sealed or maintained.
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The craftsmanship of Amoretti Brothers. Photo courtesy of Amoretti Brothers |
Typical Finishes, Coatings and Cleaners
Many copper products are left unfinished to allow a natural patina to form. Others are coated with lacquers or sealants to maintain a polished appearance. These coatings can contain VOCs or plasticizers that off-gas into indoor air. Over time, they may degrade and flake, requiring removal and refinishing. It’s best to look for uncoated, pure copper if you want to avoid chemical treatments altogether.
Common copper cleaners often contain ammonia, harsh acids, or petroleum-based solvents. These can irritate skin, release VOCs and contaminate water systems. Instead, clean copper using simple, natural solutions, such as:
- A paste of lemon juice and baking soda.
- A mixture of vinegar and salt.
- A soft cloth dampened with ketchup (yes, really, it’s the acidity that helps).
- Always rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface.
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A craftsman for Bevolo handmaking a copper lamp in New Orleans. Photo courtesy of Bevolo |
Terms to Avoid
When shopping for copper products, avoid terms such as ‘high-shine lacquered finish’, which is likely coated in synthetic sealants. Anything labeled ‘copper-look’ or ‘copper-plated’ often has thin coatings over plastic or base metals. ‘Easy-care’ or ‘no-tarnish’ typically indicates the presence of chemical coatings. Avoid ‘antimicrobial coating’ as pure copper is naturally antimicrobial and coatings may reduce its efficacy. Instead, look for ‘solid copper’, ‘uncoated’ or ‘recycled copper’ and inquire about manufacturing and finishing methods if not clearly stated.
Practical Tips
- Choose solid copper over plated or imitation versions for health and durability.
- Opt for recycled copper to reduce environmental impact.
- Avoid lacquered or coated products that off-gas or interfere with copper’s natural antimicrobial function.
- Use natural cleaners like lemon and baking soda to clean without toxins.
- For cookware, choose lined options (e.g., copper with stainless steel interior) to prevent food contact with raw copper.
- Allow natural patina to form or polish occasionally with non-toxic methods if you prefer a shinier look.
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Burnished Copper Taper Candle Holder by Terrain. Photo courtesy of Terrain |
CopperBond® by Hestan from the Napa Valley is crafted with 5 layers of stainless steel and a 100% copper core. Photo courtesy of Hestan |
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Chester Floor and Table Lights in satin copper by Original BTC. Photo courtesy of Original BTC |
A deVOL kitchen with a countertop and integrated sink made from a sheet of copper. Photo courtesy of deVOL. Photo courtesy of deVOL |
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Bevolo’s handcrafted portable copper lanterns. Photo courtesy of Bevolo |
Feature Image: Original BTC’s Medium Spun Reflector light fixture finished in weathered and polished copper. Photo courtesy of Original BTC
Photography: Adriana D./Adobe, Amoretti Brothers, Bevolo, Terrain, Hestan, Original BTC, deVOL
