Microban tiled surfaces for safer healthcare
Householders can now benefit from years of research aimed at tackling the highly-publicised problem of cross-infection within health facilities. As there is no single solution able to address all of the many and varied causes of infection, a number of defensive approaches are required to limit its spread. One solution, used in the health sector for some years, is now available to the general public.
Bacteria have varying lifespans and some can survive for surprisingly long periods, whether in the air or on the multitude surfaces within any health facility. Almost any surface can pick up and pass on infection. Making any of them resistant to bacterial transmission goes a long way towards reducing the cross-infection challenge — and what works in a hospital will work in a home.
The answer used in health facilities, now available to protect homes, is based on technology from a USA-based company called Microban. It is known globally for anti-bacterial technology built into a product during manufacturing and becoming an intrinsic part of it both inside and at the surface. When microbes, such as bacteria, mould and mildew come in contact with the product surface, Microban protection penetrates the cell wall of the microbe and disrupts key cell functions so that the microbe cannot function, grow or reproduce.
This inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria such as Escherichia Coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. It also protects against the growth of mould and mildew, which can cause stains, odours and deterioration of a product and works continuously to keep surfaces cleaner and fresher between cleanings.
This level of lasting protection is already safeguarding the tiled surfaces found in hospitals and is equally easy to use in protecting a home. Microban protection is built into the BAL Microcolour grout range and allied products manufactured by Building Adhesives Limited (BAL), the UK's leading supplier of professional tiling grouts and adhesives. Now, householders wanting the same level of protection can walk into any branch of Topps Tiles and pick it up from the shelf
BAL's Head of Technical Services, Dave Wilson, points out the value of Microban protection: "In wet and humid environments like domestic bathrooms and kitchens, " he says, "microbes can double in quantity every twenty minutes, leading to build-up of mildew, mould and potentially unhealthy bacteria. Unsightly black mould (or Aspergillus niger) can develop, causing staining and odours on sealant and grout surfaces as well potential health hazards. It can be easy to overlook this until it becomes a visible problem and by then bacteria has had plenty of time to spread onwards."
The major benefit of the Microban content has been demonstrated in specific testing of BAL Microcolour antibacterial coloured grouts. The results showed sustained effectiveness against 99% of all known bacteria,
The use of Microban anti-bacterial additive in ceramic tile grouts, cleaners and sealants began in 2000, when BAL launched its Microflex and Micropoxy grouts, the first ceramic tile grouts in the world to contain such additives. The full BAL antibacterial range now includes:
- BAL Microcolour coloured wall tile grouts and wide joint grouts
- BAL Microflex flexible wall tile grouts and wide joint grouts
- BAL Microrevive grout restorer
- BAL Microseal silicone sealants
- BAL Microshield tile cleaner.
All that matters to a householder is that their family is protected, but some will want to know how the protection works. The relatively simple Microban process prevents the growth of spores before they are allowed to take a hold. This is known as an aseptic technique, as opposed to an antiseptic technique like everyday cleaning, where germs and mould which are already present are killed.
The anti-bacterial additive is introduced into the compound during manufacture at a carefully controlled concentration and some migrates to the surface. The additive becomes bound to the surface, continuously inhibiting mould growth. As the surface compound is removed through normal wear and tear, it is replaced by anti-bacterial additive migrating from within. The additive gives long-term hygiene protection, is almost insoluble in water, is non-toxic and is known to kill 99% of all known bacteria.
Dave Wilson explains the importance of using Microban technology in tiled areas: "Being built-in, it will not wash off or wear away, providing continuous antibacterial protection for the life of the product. Any householder installing new tiling, or replacing tiling, must consider taking steps to limit the spread of bacteria. Used in conjunction with regular household cleaning, Microban offers the ultimate in protection."
The incorporation of anti-bacterial additive into grouts and other tiling products allows homeowners to protect their familties using exactly the same products used by professionals. By combining Micoban with their routine cleaning in a joint aseptic and antiseptic approach to hygiene, they can enjoy a safe, long-lasting solution capable of resisting bacteria and unsightly mould growth.
