The ability to control microbial populations through direct surface modification techniques at any point during a products life offers tremendous opportunities to improve the overall health of our surroundings. Surfaces free of microbial contamination will reduce odors, will make our products last longer, will be easier to clean, and can assist in reducing infections. However, we must use sensible approaches when controlling these microbes. The antimicrobial agents that are used should control the microbes at the source of contamination, should limit the harmful release of chemicals into our ecosystems and should be produced and screened by responsible companies.
All antimicrobial agents are different, even within the same “class” of product. The selection of branded antimicrobial agents should be based on the technical merits of the specific antimicrobial and not just on the technical merits of its “class” of antimicrobials.