Antimicrobial Trunking – Myths About Silver Ion Technology

Antimicrobial Trunking – Myths About Silver Ion Technology, there are several myths concerning this which most likely stem from the fact that as with the bacteria and viruses it tackles it cannot be seen.

The myths include:

• It works only in wet conditions
• As silver is a precious metal it must be expensive
• It only works on bacteria
• It acts as a disinfectant

It works only in wet conditions

There is always sufficient moisture in the atmosphere for silver ions to be effective. The surface definitely does not need to be wet.

ISO 22196:2011 Measurement of Antimicrobial Activity on Plastics tests, under the best possible conditions, bacterial growth on a surface. Sample pieces containing the technology are heated to 35°C under 95% relative humidity. Under these tests silver ion technology was found to be effective.

As silver is a precious metal it must be expensive

Only very small amounts are used in the compounding of the PVC-U and whilst costs vary over the many materials that silver can be used across, this represents, in most instances, only a small percentage of the total cost.

It Only Works on Bacteria

Tests have proven that silver ion technology is effective not only on bacteria but also on algae and fungi. It also has proven efficacy against enveloped viruses on porous surfaces. Silver ion technology inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as protozoans as well as bacteria.

It Acts a Disinfectant

Disinfectant is a temporary cleansing process which will kill most bacteria but is ineffective a couple of hours. Silver ion antimicrobial technology however gives 24/7 antimicrobial surface protection.