Anti-Microbial Treatments for Building Products
"Using disinfectants could cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics as well as the disinfectant itself, according to research published in the January issue of Microbiology. The findings could have important implications for how the spread of infection is managed in hospital settings." See www.ScienceDaily.com.
This is another piece of evidence that should warn against the use of antimicrobial compounds in building products. Many companies promote building products that claim disinfectant properties, promoting them especially for schools and hospitals.
Unfortunately, the antimicrobials have not been proven to have beneficial properties, and many scientist point that they may be promoting to the growth of "superbugs".
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Michael, you make an excellent point. This is one aspect of the current building materials that I have been questioning for years. It seems for many products there is no choice. They are available only with an antimicrobial treatment.
With the sustainable design push for improved indoor air quality, what are all the antimicrobial treatments doing to the air quality? If we load the building with these chemicals present in the gypsum board, carpet, wall covering, and furniture upholstery are we creating an unhealthy environment?
Even if the materials are treated, the microbes must be in direct contact for the treatments to be effective. Treatment will not prevent microbes from forming and growing on dust, just above the treated surface. I am reminded of this every year when I must clean the vinyl siding on my home to remove all the mold growth. Although the vinyl is inorganic and will not support growth itself, it does collect dust on the surface that supplies the necessary sustenance for organic growth.
In the end, are we creating a sterile environment in which our bodies no longer develop immunities to all the naturally occurring microbes that surround us daily? I guess only time will tell.
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