Introduction
The genesis for this white paper came from our Architectural Record CEU webinar entitled: The New Normal and the Fight Against Surface Contaminants.
As usual, at the end of the webinar, architects asked questions of our presenter, Mark Alan, senior vice president of product management & development.
What became apparent to us is that 1) there were a LOT of good questions, and 2) architects want to know how to face and address the various decision factors when they're specifying products to help in thwarting the COVID pandemic and keeping facilities cleaner in general.
This white paper is drawn right from the questions the architects asked at the end of the webinar, and they fell into 9 topical categories as follows:
- Industry perception
- The New Normal
- Textured products
- Bacterial mutation
- Testing & Certifications
- The Perkins & Will white paper
- Use of product risks
- Microbe persistence
- Alternate technologies
Our answers to the architects' question will provide Inpro's opinion or view based on our experience in over 40 years of obsessing over protecting buildings, over a decade of working with antimicrobial products, and the material solutions and guidance people are seeking in the current pandemic.
We must provide one caveat: Inpro's focus has always been on helping keep facilities cleaner. We make no claims that our products provide a human-health benefit. This key distinction must be made to allow us to stay in compliance with EPA regulations regarding any such claims.
So, now … turn the page and let's find out what's on the mind of architects when it comes to surface cleanliness and fighting contamination.
Topical Category
| Topical Category | Specific Question(s) | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Industry perception | Won't "antimicrobial" be a term like when we had so much greenwashing? | EPA requirements should help control this, but there will likely be companies who haven't done enough due diligence and may claim/promote products or materials for human health benefits without the proper EPA approvals in place. Antimicrobial can also be defined, whereas "Environmentally Friendly" or "Green Product" doesn't have a specific definition and leaves room for interpretation and many levels of how "green" or "environmentally friendly" a product is. The many different Green rating systems in the market and the variations between them are reflective of this issue. |
| The New Normal |
How will this pandemic affect furnishings in public spaces? Is COVID the death of Textiles and soft surfaces? |
The rise in Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs) and Community Acquired Infections (CAIs) have created a heightened awareness that furnishings, hard surfaces, and soft surfaces can provide a potential source for cross-contamination. What we've learned from healthcare regarding infection prevention measures can and will be used in more public spaces for easier cleaning and disinfecting. It's hard to predict the future of textiles and what changes may occur, but we believe textiles will continue to have a prominent role in design. The bigger question is how we will change our own behaviors to create a safer environment? |
| Textured products |
Won't textured materials be hard to clean? Do you see occupant concern over the texture of the wall covering – i.e., germs being harbored in those nooks and crannies? Are you concerned with cleaning textured wall products? | Cleaning protocols and end-use environment are considerations during material design and testing. The properties of the textured material substrate would be a considerable factor in whether or not it would (or the level it could) harbor germs. Heavily textured surfaces with crevices could likely be harder to disinfect than a lightly textured surface without crevices. Referring to the intended use and cleaning/disinfecting guidelines for products is advisable. |
| Bacterial mutation |
How do you square antimicrobials with antibiotic resistant bacteria? Does universal use of disinfectant products tend to favor the evolution of so-called 'superbugs,' which are notorious. Are not broad-spectrum disinfectants contributing to the "super-bacteria" problem.? | Major studies have shown that antibiotic resistant bacteria is linked to the misuse and overuse of antibiotic drugs in people and animals. It's now also known that disinfectants may also play a role. There is abundant scientific research on this topic as well as ongoing studies. It's important to consider specific details of different antimicrobial agents and disinfectants for building materials and how they work to eliminate bacteria (chemical vs. physical), along with how they may also negatively affect the environment (a leaching antimicrobial like Silver for example). |
| Testing & Certifications |
You mention z124 test. What code is that from and what type of test is it Also, is there a testing process for the level of porosity besides generic water submersion? As designers begin developing and implementing products that help fight against the spread of surface contaminants, what can you tell us about the process of getting and understanding EPA certifications for these products? Where can we begin and what steps would we take? |
Porosity can be tested with liquids or gases, there appear to be quite a few ASTM test methods depending on the material to be tested. Z124 is a comprehensive test method for bathroom surfaces covering colorfastness, stain resistance, ignitability, chemical resistance, thermoshock, water resistance, cleanbility and wear. EPA link for emerging viral pathogens: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/emerging-viral-pathogen-guidance-antimicrobial-pesticides |
| Perkins & Will white paper | Perkins & Will recently came out against anti-microbial treatments on products; can you comment on that? |
Perkins and Will has taken an aggressive stance toward antimicrobials by lumping them in with chemicals of concern. We disagree and rely on the science and testing of various antimicrobials to support our position, which is aligned with the American Society for Microbiology. Keep in mind that not all antimicrobials are the same or work the same. We suggest using non-toxic/non-leaching agents. |
| Use of product risks |
Is there any information on how the disinfectants impact the environment? Many of them are intense and harsh chemicals Isn't Silane toxic and flammable? What are flame spread ratings with different fabric and plastic materials? |
There is a lot of information noting the hazards of chemically based disinfectants. They are designed to kill, and precautions for human and animal life should be taken by following the manufacturers recommendations. In its raw state Silane is toxic and flammable, but that is not the case with Aegis® technology where the molecular chemistry is combined to create a stable structure. NFPA 701 is required for commercial curtains/drapes (vertically hanging fabrics). |
| Microbe persistence |
We've heard numerous times that COVID-19 survives longer on metal surfaces. What does that mean in terms of using stainless steel? and what alternatives are there? I got confused - do bacteria or viruses last longer on surfaces (outside host)? I heard somewhere that Viruses last on average of 4-6 hours on surfaces. Can you clarify average on non-porous and fabrics/textiles? |
A National Institute of Health study showed that the virus survives on different surfaces ranging from 2-4 hours up to 2-3 days. The virus survived on both stainless steel and plastic for 2-3 days. Both materials are preferred for disinfecting and touch points should be treated frequently. Bacteria will survive longer and can colonize quickly if nutrients are present. (Non-porous materials are an advantage |
| Alternate technologies |
Why not copper vs. stainless steel? Better natural antimicrobial properties What are your thoughts on Copper in reference to a material that fights contaminants? You ID'd 'Silver' as an effective anti-microbial. What about 'copper' that we see in ads? | Copper and silver have natural antimicrobial properties whereas stainless steel does not. Copper is more expensive with fewer interior applications. Silver has been applied to textiles, but brings into question leaching and environmental concerns. Stainless Steel is more abundant and works well in conjunction with disinfectants. All have their pluses and minuses. Keep in mind that antimicrobial products will still need cleaning and should be disinfected. |
Conclusion
As we wrap up, we hope you’ve gained a good and broader perspective of the kinds of questions architects are asking when comes to keeping facilities cleaner. And we hope our responses have shed more light on the topic.
What is clear is that everyone is stepping up their game from architects who will now have to make clean part of their design process, to facility owners and staff who will need to frequently clean with stronger disinfectants. And there will be increasing specification of materials that can stand up to these harsher cleaning routines, and that incorporate active antimicrobials that help keep microbes in check.