What Is Antimicrobial?
It’s a term you’ve heard for years, that we’ve come to understand is something that helps protect us, but what exactly does antimicrobial mean anyways and how does it help us? We’ll answer those questions here!
So, what does antimicrobial mean?
Antimicrobial products kill or slow the spread of bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi such as mold and mildew.1 You can find antimicrobial products everywhere – in your home, workplace or school.
Antimicrobial technology typically contains one of three active ingredients2 :
- Silver ion – used in a wide range of materials and applications including medical coatings, plastics and food-contact products
- Zinc – which is commonly used as an antifungal
- Copper – used as a preservative on hard surfaces
Which ingredient that is added is determined by the product type, where in the world it will be sold, and what efficacy claims the manufacturer is looking to make.
But how does it help protect me?
By using products with an antimicrobial protection, not only will you protect yourself from picking up potentially harmful bacteria but you will reduce the spread of such bacteria on any shared surfaces. In addition, the enhanced protection will also help extend the life of your product by protecting it from deteriorating quicker, staining and developing odours. This protection also doesn’t wash off or wear away, so you can enjoy the benefit of having continuous antimicrobial protection.
