Demetra Bernard, director of marketing, Microban International discusses how antimicrobial ceramics can be used to promote better health without compromising on aesthetics.
The selection of ceramic materials for commercial kitchens, bathrooms and communal areas is primarily driven by their robustness and perceived ease of maintenance. However, these surfaces are often exposed to frequent contamination events, and warm and humid environments that encourage the growth of bacteria. Routine cleaning can only provide short term relief against microbial growth, and microbes can quickly reappear and develop on an unprotected surface at an alarming rate. In fact, it can take as little as 20 minutes for microbes to double in numbers on an unprotected surface even when cleaned with a standard disinfectant.
Microbial growth can cause staining, odours and deterioration, and the appearance of unclean tiled surfaces in commercial kitchens and bathrooms can deter customers from visiting an establishment. To prevent this, settings are often forced to clean more regularly with harsh chemicals, or replace tiled surfaces sooner than intended. This creates further expense from new materials and labour, as well as business closure, and contributes to the commercial waste that ends up in landfill. With every business keeping a close eye on their sustainability targets, many owners and public area managers are seeking to overcome these challenges by purchasing antimicrobial ceramics from a trusted manufacturer.
Antimicrobial technologies can be easily incorporated into the ceramic glaze of tiles, helping to prevent the growth of microorganisms. The technology binds to the product, so doesn’t wash off or wear away, and works alongside an effective cleaning regime for continual surface protection against the growth of damaging microbes. This in turn helps to prevent the accumulation of odours, staining and early product deterioration, extending the usable lifetime of tiled surfaces and reducing the need for repeated product replacement.
The use of antimicrobial chemistries in ceramics is not necessarily new, and previous examples of technologies used in tile coatings are oxides of titanium, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). However, this bactericidal action relies on exposure to UV light, which limits its efficacy for indoor applications. In addition, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified TiO2 as a category 2B carcinogen, which carries the designation of ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ by inhalation. The adverse effects of titanium oxides on human health and the environment are not yet clear, and the safety of their indoor use needs further verification. There are far more effective technologies on the market that adhere to stringent regulatory requirements from governing bodies such as the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) in Europe, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in America. They provide ceramic manufacturers and contractors with complete peace of mind that any chemistries introduced to their products will meet specifications safely.
Silver solutions
Built-in antimicrobial chemistries based on the use of silver is one of these alternative technologies to TiO2. SilverShield from Microban International is a silver formulation that prevents the survival and proliferation of microbes, even in the absence of UV light. The food-contact approved technology can be seamlessly incorporated into the ceramic glaze of tiles during manufacture, providing contractors with a complete solution for microbial growth. It is notified with the EU BPR and is registered with the US EPA, giving users the peace of mind they need.
Antimicrobial ceramics are an effective way to equip tiled surfaces in commercial settings with product protection against the growth of microorganisms. In doing so, contractors can provide a long-lasting solution that will enhance the longevity of products and the sustainability of settings, by delaying the onset of product degradation, and minimising repeated disposal and replacement. Partnering with a trusted antimicrobial provider that can supply technologies that adhere to the relevant guidelines and meet sustainability targets is the most proficient way to ensure a cleaner future for all.
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