[Bon mots]

We should all use copper for doorknobs.
We would have so many fewer cases of the flu.

Copper is a hostile environment for germs; stainless steel and aluminum are favorable environments.

Germs do not live long on copper; they can live for months on stainless steel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_properties_of_copper

[Bon mots]

Re: My previous post.

We would have so many fewer cases of the flu.

My bad.
The flu is viral, no evidence w/regard to anti-viral properties... but anti-bacterial properties have been known for centuries.

[grania]

Thanks for that information. I have an offbeat question. Are some metals better than other for jewelry, in terms of not holding germs? How is gold with germs?

[mad_as_he$$]

Copper door knobs? The methheads would have them all stolen overnight.

[reed13k]

You can do the polishing... no greenish hues allowed.