At a time when people are becoming aware of the need to stay away from infected surfaces, the importance of keeping floors clean and infection-free cannot be overemphasized. There is a need to keep the floor tiles as clean as possible. Thankfully tile makers are using advanced technologies to keep the floors clean and microbe free, when hygiene meets beauty and durability.
These advanced technologies are necessary for ensuring better hygiene as bacteria are omnipresent. Under optimal conditions, the bacterial population can double in as quickly as 20 minutes.
In a survey carried out on foodservice providers and restaurant owners, 85 percent of respondents said they were concerned about the growth of bacteria found on flooring in restaurant facilities. Investigations to check the presence of bacteria on ceramic floor tiles in public facilities revealed that 92 percent of the 50 tiles sampled were contaminated with bacteria. Hence, the need for ceramic tiles that promote good hygiene and prevent cross-contamination.
Microban’s additive developed for ceramic tiles is effective against a wide range of bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae which are among the common pathogens that cause infections and diseases.
The Microban protection is permanently integrated onto the tile surface during the industrial firing process itself, thus increasing its efficacy in comparison to other organic products like waxes and resins. It cannot be washed away or consumed which makes it safe for places with small children too. With the active ingredients evenly distributed throughout the surface during the production itself, the entire surface area is protected throughout the full lifecycle of the product.
One may argue as to why not use detergents and disinfectants to kill bacteria and clean floors? However, detergents and disinfectants offer short term solutions where once the cleaning products dry up, the bacteria can quickly start to grow on the tile surface till such time that the tile is again cleaned and disinfected. In comparison, the Microban technology offers continuous Anti-Bacterial protection throughout the day and night, 24/7, with or without sunlight. Unlike other technologies, it does not require UV light to be effective.
Untreated tiles and Microban treated tiles were examined for the ability to support E. coli biofilm buildup. Results showed that the surfaces that were Microban treated, remained free of micro-organism colonization with only a minute number of cells visible.
It is this ability to stop adherence to the ceramic surface that prevents the bacteria from beginning to form a biofilm, thus protecting the surface. With the biocidal action taking place on the surface of the tile, one must not use cleaning products that contain resins and waxes that create a film blocking contact between the tile and the bacteria.
Tiles today are no longer just a functional item but are an important part of the décor. The advantage of Microban is that it does not alter or whiten the original color of the ceramic surface. Besides, it also reduces the unpleasant odours resulting from microbial growth.
Referred from Microban – Always active antimicrobial protection
– Rajeshwari Adappa, freelance journalist
Disclaimer: I acknowledge the support and contribution of Asian Paints Limited in providing information for this article. The purpose of this article is to explain the scientific principles behind anti-bacterial paints. All product specific views expressed here are my personal views. Readers should do their own research and consult professionals before purchasing the product. Products may not function as intended if they are not correctly used. Please also refer to product guides provided by companies before purchasing the product as your purchase and use of the product will be governed by them. For complete disclaimer and more information, please visit www.asianpaints.com/healthshield
Also read: Fighting bacteria with silver nanoparticles
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