ROME — Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-119, Rome, hosted a press event on Friday with Revere Copper Products which donated antimicrobial copper tape to the Rome City School District at Gansevoort Elementary School, 758 W. Liberty St.
The tape was installed on the front doors of the school, which is a noted high-touch surface. Last year, Assemblywoman Buttenschon passed a bill in the Assembly to require the Department of Health, in consultation with the Office of General Services, to conduct a study on the use of solid antimicrobial materials for touch surfaces in the construction of public buildings in New York.
“Antimicrobial copper alloys have been shown to reduce the spread of germs and viruses and their inclusion in building construction plans can help keep our families healthy and safe,” said Buttenschon. “I want to thank Revere Copper Products for its generous donation to the Rome City School District. Responsible community partners like Revere are critically important for our communities’ future and help make our Mohawk Valley communities special.”
“Revere Copper is thankful for Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s efforts to help others understand the health benefits of copper, said Amy O’Shaughnessy, vice president of sales and marketing at Revere.
“The product we’re installing at Gansevoort, called CopperDisinfector, is produced with a partner company whose goal is to help others create a healthy living environment. A big credit goes to the school district for using this in an environment where germs can be easily spread. We’re happy to be so connected with others in our community,” O’Shaughnessy said.
All alloys that are at least 65% copper and don’t have a coating are naturally antimicrobial, which can help slow the spread of colds, seasonal illnesses like the flu and COVID-19, the announcement added.
Originally founded in 1801 and established in Rome in 1928, Revere Copper Products has donated money and copper products to a number of local schools and organizations in recent years. Last month, Revere was added to the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry.