FAQs

EOS^CU is the world’s only practical hard surface EPA Registered for Public Health Claims. A Preventive|Biocidal Surface™, EOS^CU offers hospitals additional protection against deadly pathogen transmission from surfaces by actively and continuously killing 99.9% of all gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria* within 2 hours of exposure. By continuously reducing the bioburden in the patient environment, even after recontamination, EOS^CU works around the clock to help prevent healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and keep patients and their caretakers safer. The surfaces have been proven in a large clinical trial in an acute care hospital to achieve statistically significant reductions in MDROs or C. difficile by 78% and reductions in C. difficile by 83%.

EOS^CU is manufactured in the US and comes in two forms: sheets (or slabs) and also molded products. The slabs are used for countertops as well as for overbed tables, tabletops, armrests, and any other horizontal surface, in addition to wall cladding or vertical surfaces. The Preventive|Biocidal Surfaces^TM fabricate just like any other solid surfaces such as Corian^® or Silestone^®.  The molded products include patient bed rail kits, sinks, vanities, armrests, grab rails, and virtually any other customizable shape.

All of the surfaces, regardless of application, are made of the same proprietary biocidal material and actively and continuously kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria.*  They allow for a seamless addition to your infection control protocols without needing additional or new human processes.

The opportunities for application are truly endless and EOS Surfaces will work with any facility or system to identify needs and develop a custom plan to strategically position the material in areas with the greatest potential for contamination. Contact us for more information.

Learn more about how EOS^CU works.

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A Preventive|Biocidal Surface™ is a unique surface that has the ability to actively kill bacteria, even after repeated contamination. It also has a preventive quality that stops and inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Read more in our blog by selecting the following links:

1. Preventive|Biocidal Surfaces^TM: A Definition in 4 Parts
2. A New Category of Clean: Preventive|Biocidal Surfaces^TM

With the rise of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and antibiotic-resistant microbes, new infection control methods are needed. EOS^CU is the only practical hard surface that’s EPA Registered for Public Health Claims. It kills 99.9% of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria* within 2 hours of exposure, even after recontamination.

Unlike isolated cleaning processes, EOS^CU is self-sanitizing. At least 12 times every 24 hours, the surface kills greater than 99.9% of the bacteria* on it, including the deadly and resistant pathogens like MRSA. Infused throughout with the biocidal power of a proprietary copper technology, EOS^CU is a Preventive|Biocidal Surface™ that protects people by continuously reducing the bioburden in their environment. In a recent, large clinical trial at an acute care hospital, the surface achieved statistically resistant reductions in Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) and C. diff when used with copper impregnated textiles.

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EOS^CU is the world’s only hard surface EPA-registered for public-health claims that is also practical for widespread application. It’s a Preventive|Biocidal Surface™, infused with a proprietary copper technology to continuously kill harmful bacteria* within 2 hours, even after recontamination. Some of the key benefits of EOS^CU:

• Statistically significant results in large clinical trial achieving 78% reduction in MDROs or C.diff and 83% reduction in C. diff
• Provides the highest level of continuous bacteria* reduction found by any solid surface
• Actively kills greater than 99.9% of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria* within 2 hours of exposure
• Continually reduces bioburden, even after surface recontamination
• Is always working without added or new human processes
• Is the only practical hard surface EPA-registered for public-health claims for constantly killing bacteria*
• The only surface that is generating a return on your investment through bioburden reduction and HAI reduction, working 24/7 between terminal and daily cleanings to self-sanitize

Get more information about EOS^CU

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EOS^CU is the world’s only practical hard surface EPA Registered for Public Health Claims. Combined with the durable nature of EOS Surfaces and the active Cupron technology embedded throughout the product, EOS^CU constantly protects people by continuously killing harmful bacteria* for the life of the product. The proprietary copper technology is not a surface treatment or film that can be removed.

Find out how EOS^CU works and why it is the right choice:

• • How Copper Kills Germs
  • Silver vs. Copper: Which is the Better Biocide?
  • Why are hospitals banning antimicrobials but NOT copper?

No other practical, hard surface that can be easily fabricated and molded into any shape is EPA-Registered and proven through a large clinical trial to reduce HAIs.

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EOS^CU is the only surface that provides around the clock self-sanitizing without requiring any new or additional human processes. Your environmental services department will not need to change its current cleaning protocols and no additional training is required.

EOS^CU is a Preventive|Biocidal Surface™, but does not replace standard infection control procedures and good hygienic practices. EOS^CU must be cleaned and sanitized according to standard practice. In order to work effectively, EOS^CU should be cleaned routinely to remove dirt and filth, as this is necessary for good hygiene. Cleaning agents typically used for traditional surfaces are permissible, and the appropriate cleaning agent depends on the type of soiling and the sanitization required.

For more information, read our Care and Maintenance document.

Disclaimer: The use of EOS^CU is a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices relating to cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces. EOS^CU has been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but it does not prevent cross-contamination. EOS^CU may be subject to recontamination, and the level of active bacteria at any particular time will depend on the frequency and timing of recontamination, and how recently the surface was cleaned.

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EOS^CU has the advantages of solid surface—durability, seamless fabrication, and a beautiful aesthetic—with the unparalleled ability to self-sanitize. It’s a Preventive| Biocidal Surface™, killing harmful bacteria* that contributes to the spread of illnesses. The proprietary copper technology is infused directly into the material at the time of manufacturing. Fully tested EOS^CU has seamless applications and can be used to create any solid surfaces, such as countertops, overbed tables, table tops, chair arms, and any other horizontal surface. Molded products are also available, including bed rail kits, sinks, vanities, and customizable options, making the opportunities for application endless. The EOS^CU aesthetic delivers confidence and utility with attractive design options ideal for high traffic areas. EOS^CU is the only practical answer where bacteria are present, and form and function matter. Contact EOS^CU here if you are interested in developing an individual strategy that meets the specific needs for your facility. Find out more about the different applications of EOS^CU Surfaces.

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Please contact us .

To get a sample of EOS^cu, request one here.

EOS^cu can only be purchased by certified fabricators from our exclusive distributors or from EOS Surfaces directly. For more information on the distributor nearest you please contact us.

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EOS^cu can only be fabricated and installed by certified fabricators. All facilities, architects and designers ordering or specifying the material for a project should request certified fabricators. Please contact us for any questions regarding the fabricator certification or verification of certification.

If you are a solid surface fabricator that wishes to become certified, apply using this link.

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At EOS Surfaces, we strive to provide high-quality solid surface materials with consistent color options. However, it is important to note that product samples are intended for general color matching purposes only and may not represent an exact match to the final product received.

Due to the nature of our proprietary material and manufacturing, we cannot guarantee exact color matches between different production lots. Even within a single large lot, slight color variations may occur from the beginning to the end of the pour. These subtle shifts are a natural outcome of the production process and add to the uniqueness of each piece.

To assist our certified fabricators in ensuring the best color consistency, each sink and slab is labeled with a lot number and a mold number. These identifiers allow you to partner pieces, arranging them chronologically (in order of pour). Doing so will optimize color matching during fabrication. We recommend following these guidelines to achieve the most uniform appearance in your finished projects. (Please note that only certified fabricators are approved to purchase and work with our unfinished material. To apply for certification, please click here. 

While EOS Surfaces works to minimize any variation in color, our proprietary formula contains copper oxide which has a natural color variability that can range from bright red to deeper reddish-brown. This variability is due to the way the oxide is formed and processed. Even small differences in temperature, light exposure, moisture, and more can cause shifts in its color throughout production. Once EOS^CU is made, the color does not continue to change.

Because of this inherent volatility in color, it’s challenging to guarantee that our final product will have an exact, uniform color every single time we manufacture. Slight color differences from one batch to another, or even within the same batch, are to be expected.

These minimal differences in the appearance of the final product haven no impact on the efficacy of EOS^CU – a material specifically designed for its proven, preventive|biocidal abilities to reducing the bioburden of a patient environment and lower the risk of transmission of pathogens.

In areas with high traffic and vulnerable populations—such as hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments—these biocidal properties are critical. EOS^CU continuously works to kill harmful bacteria, adding protection where it's needed most. EOS^CU can be an essential material for maintaining a safer, healthier environment.

NOTE: EOS^CU Samples should not be used for scientific testing. If you are a researcher and wish to receive testing samples, please complete this form. For information on efficacy of EOS^CU, please click here.

Yes. At EOS Surfaces, we are committed to sustainability and innovation in our preventive|biocidal solid surface materials. Our product is EPA-registered for public health claims, ensuring it meets rigorous standards for safety and environmental impact. 

This material is completely renewable and can be refinished, restoring its original aesthetic and extending its lifespan. The copper oxide infused within the matrix is made from recycled content, contributing to the circular economy. Furthermore, the finished product can be disposed of responsibly, including through recycling processes.

• The use of EOS^CU does not replace standard infection control procedures and good hygienic practices.

• EOS^CU must be cleaned and sanitized according to standard practice. Health care facilities must maintain the product in accordance with infection control guidelines; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices, including those practices related to disinfection of environmental surfaces.

• Routine cleaning to remove dirt and filth is necessary for good sanitation and to assure the effective biocidal performance of EOS^CU. Cleaning agents typically used for traditional touch surfaces are permissible; the appropriate cleaning agent depends on the type of soiling and the measure of sanitizing required.

• EOS^CU may be subject to recontamination and the level of active bacteria at any particular time will depend on the frequency and timing of recontamination and cleanliness of the surface (among other factors).

• In order for EOS^CU to have proper biocidal efficacy, the product must be cleaned and maintained according to the directions included on its label.
• This product must NOT be waxed, painted, lacquered, varnished, or otherwise coated.
• Normal tarnishing or wear of EOS^CU will not impair the efficacy of the product.

information, please see the Care and Maintenance Guide.

HOSPITAL DETERGENTS

• Detergents will clean soil from surfaces and should always be used prior to disinfection

• Most cleaning products are proprietary and will have instructions for use – always refer to manufacturers’ instructions

• Items should be cleaned, dried (disinfected as necessary) and inspected before use

• If applying disinfectant after normal cleaning, it is common to wash with clean water and dry between these steps to ensure optimum activity of disinfectant

• Cleaning wipes are single use products and should be disposed of after use

• Some products may combine disinfectants with detergents and allow single-step use

HOSPITAL DISINFECTANTS

• Like detergents, most disinfectants are also proprietary and will have instructions for use – always refer to manufacturers’ instructions

See List of Approved and Not Approved Cleaners.

An EPA-registered public-health claim indicates that a manufacturer’s end product—NOT just the antimicrobial embedded within it—has been submitted to the EPA and has been tested against very rigorous protocols. In order to make a public-health claim, the end product must pass strict protocols, killing harmful bacteria* within the EPA-assigned 2-hour time frame and withstanding comprehensive abrasion testing to ensure the product will maintain its efficacy under difficult, real-world conditions. EOS Surfaces had to submit over 14,000 samples that were required to achieve a zero-fail rate on all the protocols. Because the end product, EOS^CU , and not just the copper technology infused in it, successfully achieved the 100% pass rate, the product itself has been registered for EPA public-health claims. Only one other hard surface, copper alloys, can make such claims. EOS^CU is the only EPA-registered synthetic hard surface with the proven ability to:

• Continuously reduce bacterial* contamination, achieving 99.9% reduction within 2 hours of exposure
• Kill greater than 99.9% gram negative and gram positive bacteria* within 2 hours of exposure
• Kill greater than 99.9% of bacteria* within two hours of exposure and continues to kill 99% of bacteria, even after repeated contamination
• Inhibit the buildup and growth of bacteria* within 2 hours of exposure between cleaning and sanitizing steps
• Learn more about this topic:

• • Treated Article vs. Public Health Claim
  • 3 Not-So-Easy Steps to an EPA Registration

• • • How Copper Kills Germs
    • Silver vs. Copper: Which is the Better Biocide?
    • Why are hospitals banning antimicrobials but NOT copper?

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Our EPA Registration for Public Health Claims includes the following claims and evidence of bioburden reduction:

Laboratory testing has shown that when cleaned regularly

• EOS^CU surface continuously reduces bacterial* contamination achieving a 99.9% reduction within 2 hours of exposure
• EOS^CU surface kills greater than 99.9% of gram negative and gram positive bacteria* within 2 hours of exposure
• EOS^CU surface kills greater than 99.9% of bacteria* within 2 hours and continues to kill 99% of bacteria,* even after repeated contamination
• EOS^CU surface helps inhibit the buildup and growth of bacteria* within 2 hours of exposure between routine cleaning and sanitizing steps

Our first clinical trial was recently published in the American Journal of Infection Control. This trial, the largest of its kind to date, compared the infection rates of one hospital tower with EOS^CU and copper-impregnated linens to a tower without the materials and discovered a 78% reduction in infections due to MDROs and C. difficile and an 83% reduction in infections due to C. difficile alone.

Read more about the Sentara trial at our blog: Clinical Trial Results

More resources describing the trial and its statistically significant reductions can be found at the links below:

• • Access complete peer reviewed journal article here
  • Visit press release website with video from experts
  • Read about the trial and download the poster presentation here

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It is shocking to see just how long some organisms can survive on surfaces (over 2.5 years!). The bottom range for survival on surfaces of the top two pathogens, the bacteria that cause the most HAIs, is at least 5-7 days on a surface. Add to this group coagulase-negative staphylococci and you see that 40% of the HAI-causing bacteria can survive on surfaces at least 5 days.

To read more and to access our powerful infographic, go to our blog post: Pathogens, Persistence, and Prevalence.

More information on the topic: Kramer, et al. (2006) observe, “The longer a nosocomial pathogen persists on a surface, the longer it may be a source of transmission and thus endanger a susceptible patient or healthcare worker.”¹ They add, “The most common nosocomial pathogens may well survive or persist on surfaces for months and can thereby be a continuous source of transmission if no regular preventive surface disinfection is performed. The researchers’ review of the literature revealed that most gram-positive bacteria, such as Enterococcus spp. (including VRE), Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), and Streptococcus pyogenes, survive for months on dry surfaces, while many gram-negative species, such as Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, orShigella spp., can also survive for weeks to months. Candida albicans, a significant nosocomial fungal pathogen, can survive up to 4 months on surfaces. Researchers have cited some of the factors that affect pathogen persistence such as the genus, species, and strain of the microorganism in question, the number of bacteria or viruses on the surface or fomite, environmental factors such as light, temperature, humidity, medium in which the microbe is suspended, and the surface on which the microbe is deposited.

Learn more about how long bacteria can live on surfaces.

Reference: 1. Kramer A, Schwebke I, Kampf G. How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review. BMC Infect Dis. 2006;6:130.

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“Treated articles” typically refer to articles or substances, which are impregnated with, or have antimicrobial pesticide incorporated into them, to protect the articles or substances themselves. No product efficacy test data are required, and relative to “treated articles” and nonpublic-health uses, only uses which control odor-causing bacteria or bacteria causing spoilage, deterioration, or fouling of materials (ie, preservation) are appropriate and apply to “treated articles.”

For more on this topic, read our blog post: Treated Articles vs. Public Health Claims

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At this time only antimicrobial copper alloys registered by the Copper Development Association and EOS^CU have public-health claims, all other technologies have “treated article” claims only.

Learn more about the EPA Registration and why it matters and most importantly, why this registration elevates these products and why hospitals should care at our blog:

Hospital Surfaces: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

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