Copper-Silver Ionisation System

The Copper-silver ionisation is gaining popularity worldwide as a water disinfection method. We review the literature that supports the effectiveness and safety of the copper-silver ionisation concerning legionella control in water distribution systems. an enquiry between January 1997 and January 2007 was conducted in relevant health databases: Medline, Embase, NHS CRD, Cochrane Library Plus, Web of data , IME (Spanish Medical Index) and IBECS (Health Sciences Bibliographic Index). Ten published studies were selected consistent with inclusion and exclusion criteria previously established; most of those were experimental. Legionella levels decrease with the appliance of any of the procedures utilized in these studies and therefore the procedures are often combined to get better outcomes. No studies containing an economic evaluation were found. We conclude that copper-silver ionisation is an efficient method to regulate legionella, bearing in mind that eradication can't be achieved by any method in isolation. Maintaining high temperatures within the water system can maximise effectiveness of the tactic.Copper-silver appears to be safe, as long as ion levels are monitored and kept within international recommended levels. More studies with concurrent control group, long follow-up and economic evaluation are required to properly assess this procedure.