Plagued by fungus? Bacteria? Try copper socks

By Manuel Farias

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Copper socks? Copper towels? How about copper subway poles? These are only a few of the ways Chile, the world's biggest copper producer, is utilizing the red metal which is more commonly found in the construction and auto sectors.

Used since ancient times to make tools, weapons and plumbing systems, Chilean innovators are experimenting with ways to exploit copper's bacteria- and fungus-fighting characteristics.

"Public transport systems, where germs can be transmitted and there are large numbers of people, are a potential market for applications for surface-metal copper," said Jurgen Leibbrandt, head of market development for the Chilean state copper giant Codelco.

"In clothes there is another venue ... where it has excellent anti-fungus qualities," he said.

Scientists say the power of copper to fight germs lies in the fact that copper ions separate on contact with bacteria and cause irreversible damage to the bacteria's cells.

Codelco is already working with the private sector to market socks, towels, pillow cases and underwear sewn with copper fibresthat fight fungi and even help combat acne.

And the private sector is in a drive to join Chile's leading export, copper, with another major exporter, the salmon industry, to cut disease in fish stocks.

Chile is the world's second largest salmon producer after Norway, but the industry has high costs because of expensive solutions to controlling infections.