Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced that a bill she sponsored to direct the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to study the use of solid antimicrobial materials for touch surfaces in public buildings passed the Assembly (A.998-A).

“As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s absolutely critical that we learn from this experience and ensure we’re doing everything we can to mitigate future public health threats,” said Buttenschon. “Research has shown that using antimicrobial materials such as copper and silver for touch surfaces could significantly reduce the spread of disease-causing organisms and reduce the transmission of viruses and infections. My colleagues and I passed this legislation to commission research into these materials to help ensure that they are a feasible and cost-effective method for protecting New Yorkers and combating future public health crises.”

The bill would direct the commissioner of the DOH, in consultation with the commissioner of 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 (A.998-A). Once completed, this study will identify the beneficial effects of various types of solid antimicrobial materials, while showcasing their potential cost. The study will also identify coppers prevention methods when it comes to frequently touched surfaces that present infection risks as well as give recommendations for the types of antimicrobial materials to be used for the construction of public buildings. Not only will this study enable lawmakers to obtain important information regarding the use of solid antimicrobial materials in construction and whether they are feasible to implement, it aims to help boost the Mohawk Valley economy by investing in locally made materials, noted Buttenschon.