The effect of blue light on atmospheric corrosion of Cu and on the antimicrobial properties was explored upon exposure mimicking the condition of hygienic surface disinfection. The results show that blue light illumination enhanced the formation of Cu2O, resulting in a slightly increased corrosion resistance of Cu without pre-deposited NaCl, whereas the enhanced formation of Cu2O, CuCl and/or Cu(OH)3Cl on copper with pre-deposited NaCl caused concomitant corrosion product flaking and a reduced corrosion resistance. The blue light induced enhancement of Cu corrosion led to increased surface roughness and more pronounced integration of bacteria within the corrosion products.