Hygienic Solutions in public spaces reduce the spread of infections and save money

A large number of infectious diseases are transmitted via contact surfaces in public spaces. The hygienic paints are ideal for facilities with high hygiene standards, such as hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and homes for the elderly, to help to keep the environment safe and the contact surfaces easy to clean. The hygienic coatings can be applied to, for example, door handles, arm supports, railings, faucets, vents, furniture, and walls, all of which serve as vehicles for microbes.

Studies* have shown that antimicrobial space solutions can reduce the number of infections in hospitals by as much as 60 %. Avoiding infectious diseases also brings cost savings in multiple ways, reducing for example medical costs and costs to employers due to absences.

Independent tests have shown that antimicrobial space solutions have reduced the number of infections in a hospital environment. Through its customers, Teknos has been involved in several locations with high hygiene standards. 

Fewer colds in school children in the classroom

Antimicrobial space solutions were tested in the school context. In 2019, a classroom in a school in southern Finland was equipped with Isku's furniture that was painted with Teknos hygienic coatings. Absences due to illness were reduced by 52 per cent in the tested classroom in comparison with a reference classroom where the furniture was not replaced.

Avoiding infectious diseases brings savings and is in everyone's interest

Microbes accumulating on various surfaces, particularly in public spaces, spread through contact from one place and person to another, transmitting infectious diseases. Colds, influenzas and the majority of causes of hospital infections are transmitted via contact. (Duodecim Terveyskirjasto Health Library, 2019.)

The reduction of infectious diseases brings substantial savings, in many ways, to society and to employers. Avoiding diseases means fewer absences and reduced need for care.

The group of companies in the growing HygTech Alliance together provide hygienic space solutions

A manufacturer of hygienic coatings, Teknos is part of HygTech Alliance. The group also includes Isku, a supplier of the hygienic furniture and designer of public spaces, Oras, manufacturer of touchless sanitary fittings, Korpinen, manufacturer of the hygienic bathroom furnishings, Abloy, manufacturer of the hygienic architectural hardware, Lojer Group, manufacturer of medical furniture, and the latest member, Led Tailor Innovation, manufacturer of photon disinfection lights.

Cooperation between the different parties provides the best know-how on how to make public spaces more hygienic as all essential contact surfaces can be provided as antimicrobial surfaces.

The Alliance aims to play its part in supporting work to prevent infectious diseases, and it has organized several training events for designers, developers, and who are involved in hospital projects.

How does the hygienic paint work? Microbial populations can be reduced on paint surfaces

The effect of the hygienic paint is based on BioCote® silver phosphate glass added to the paint. It is distributed throughout the paint's composition. This ingredient of the paint actively destroys bacterial growth and prevents bacterial division. The hygienic effect of the coating will last as long as any paint remains, as the antimicrobial active ingredient is distributed throughout the paint. Scratches and surface wear do not adversely affect the paint's hygienic properties.

The hygienic substances have long been recognized, and the antimicrobial functionality of the paint additive silver phosphate glass, based on the BioCote® technology, has been tested according to the ISO 22196 standard. According to the standard, the bacterial count should be reduced by 99% in 24 hours.

The destruction of microbes begins as soon as microbes attach themselves to the surface. After one hour, approximately 50 percent of the population has been destroyed and in two hours the count has halved again. After 24 hours, 99% of the microbes have been destroyed.

Is the hygienic paint resistant to cleaning chemicals? Antimicrobial surfaces and cleaning

The paint's hygienic property is not diminished by the detergents and cleaning methods used for example in hospitals. This has been tested in laboratory tests using the same Kiilto Oy cleaning and washing chemicals that are used in Finnish hospitals. Powder-coated surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected without the hygienic property being adversely affected. The hygienic surfaces work 24/7, i.e., this property keeps surfaces actively clean between clean-ups. However, regular cleaning should still be kept up, because the hygienic surfaces require periodic cleaning for the additive in the paint to function. Therefore, surfaces must not be waxed or otherwise coated, as this would prevent the additive from coming into contact with microbes.

What is the range of colours of hygienic paints? The antimicrobial property does not limit the paint's range of colours

The hygienic paint looks good and meets the high standards of quality and appearance.

Designed for all concrete, plaster, and construction board surfaces, the hygienic TIMANTTI CLEAN is suitable for wall and ceiling surfaces.

Powder coatings with antimicrobial properties are suitable for painting metal items. INFRALIT EP/PE 8235 epoxy polyester powder paint is suitable for steel and aluminium surfaces and is available in several different colours as a gloss (90), semi-gloss (75) and matt (30). The standard colours are white, black, and silver.

Previously painted metal surfaces can be rendered antimicrobial by using the full-gloss (95) INFRALIT PE 8435-10 polyester powder varnish. Powder varnish can be used in the same way as ordinary powder paints, either directly on metal or sprayed over a powder paint film.

* http://hygtechalliance.com/

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