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Uncovering
Antimicrobial Products
By now, you have most
likely heard the buzz about antimicrobial protection and the wide
variety of products that can be coated with the bacteria-curbing
treatment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states, “One
billion dollars each year are spent on a variety of different types
of antimicrobial products.” In fact, more than 5,000 products are
registered with the EPA. But there remain several questions about
antimicrobial agents: What is the difference between antibacterial
and antimicrobial? What does it do? And does it really work?
Antibacterial only attacks
bacteria, where antimicrobial slows the growth of odor and
stain-causing microbes–bacteria, molds, mildew and fungi. Because of
this capability, antimicrobial coated products, such as faucets, are
growing in popularity in schools, hospitals and kitchens where
sanitation is a top priority.
Antimicrobial treated products do not kill microbes, but they can
inhibit their growth. Antimicrobial agents work by disrupting the
ability of microorganisms to grow and reproduce. It is important to
remember, though, that antimicrobial protection is not a substitute
for good hygiene. When in the kitchen or restroom, proper hand
washing and cleaning of the faucet and handles is still the best
method to prevent foodborne or infectious illnesses. For more
information on proper hand washing, Handwashingforlife.com is a
great resource for helpful hygiene tips.
But what research is there to back up these claims? Tests have been
conducted to assess the quantitative and qualitative amounts of
bacterial and fungal activity with and without the coating. In a
bacterial test by New York State, an untreated coated metal in
contact with bacteria for 24 hours had 19.1 million organisms (out
of an initial count of 788,000). The antimicrobial coated metal had
less than 50 organisms after 24 hours. In a similar dried film
fungal test (ASTM G 21-96), the untreated coated metal and
antimicrobial coated metal were exposed to fungus for 28 days. After
that time period, only the untreated metal showed signs of fungal
growth. These tests and other similar tests that have been conducted
confirm that antimicrobial products can help fight the growth of
microorganisms.
For hospitals, antimicrobial products are quickly becoming an item
of interest and a tool for protection against the spread of
illnesses. Because of recent policy changes with Medicare and
Medicaid, hospitals must take all necessary precautions to prevent
avoidable infections. Specifically, costs related to treating staph
infections that are caused by poor hygiene and medical malpractice
will not be covered. If a hospital cannot show that it has done
everything it could to prevent illness, it will be required to foot
the bill for the treatment. This liability has added to the raised
awareness and growing need of antimicrobial products.
All antimicrobial products, however, are not made the same. It is
important that the coating containing the treatment be applied using
a consistent and smooth method. Convoluted coating techniques can
provide peaks and valleys where the bacteria can gather and
flourish. It must also be durable, so that the surface does not
scratch and leave open “wounds” that will collect bacteria and
fungi. Additionally, care should be taken when cleaning the faucet
and handles by not applying any abrasive chemicals or other agent.
Lastly, the coating should be designed to last the lifetime of the
product in order to offer protection until that fixture fitting is
replaced.
Overall, antimicrobial products can be helpful in inhibiting the
growth of odor and stain-causing microbes. It is important to
remember, however, that these products do not kill bacteria and
should never be used in replacement of good hygiene. Proper hand
washing is still the best way to prevent the spread of illness in
any facility.
By Eva-Marie Fox, T&S Brass, vice president of marketing. For more
information, visit www.tsbrass.com or contact T&S Brass at
800-476-4103.
http://www.epa.gov/pesp/publications/vol6se/IIA4a-antimicrobials.htm
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