Frequently Asked Questions
How does GERMGUARD work?
The GERMGUARD’s 3 Step Program treats textiles and surfaces with a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer that molecularly bonds to the treated surface, creating a permanent bond—you could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords.
When a microorganism comes into contact with the treated surface, the molecular sword punctures the cell membrane and an electrical charge shocks the cell. The treatment does not break down and the antimicrobial doesn’t lose its strength, leaving the sword ready for the next cell to contact it.
What are microorganisms?
Microorganisms are microscopic organisms and are very diverse. They include bacteria, fungi, yeast and algae. Some microbiologists also include viruses, but others consider these as non-living.
How does it compare to traditional antimicrobial treatments?
|
Traditional Antimicrobial Solutions (examples: Arsenic, Lead, Tin, Mercury, Silver, Animal by-products, etc.) |
GermGuard Program |
| Chemical Kill | Physical Kill |
| Work by poisoning the microbes | Works by piercing the cell membrane |
| The chemical leaches onto the surface, soaking the surrounding areas with that toxin so that it can be absorbed into the cell. | The positively charged Nitrogen attracts the negatively charged cell membrane of the microbe. The microbe is pierced by the molecular chain and destroys microorganisms on contact. When the negative and positive charges come into contact, it is electrocuted and blown apart. |
| Dissipates over time | With regular cleaning using mild soap and water, the molecular chains are cleaned, keeping them ready for action. |
How often should it be applied? How long does it last?
The antimicrobial treatment is permanently bonding, which means that it becomes part of the surface to which it is applied. In high-touch areas it is recommended applying semi-annually due to the fact that the surface is worn down with regular contact, and with the deterioration of the surface comes the deterioration of the antimicrobial.
Where can this treatment be applied?
The antimicrobial treatment can be applied to almost any surface, both hard and soft. It has been applied to textiles, building materials, high-touch surfaces and more.
Will this technology adversely affect the skin or environment?
No. The antimicrobial is permanently bound to the surfaces it protects – it does not leach from the surface onto the skin or into the environment. Extensive toxicological testing shows the antimicrobial does not cross the skin barrier.
Will its use result in ‘super bacteria’?
No. Adaptation studies show that microbes do not adapt to the GermGuard treated surface and no ‘Zone of Inhibition’ develops.
What removes it? Does bleach remove it? How about other chemicals?
The antimicrobial treatment is removed over time as the surface wears down. It can also be removed with abrasives (i.e.: scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, etc.) and harsh chemicals with a pH level of 11 or higher, as these chemicals wear down the surface, thereby removing the treatment. Bleach cannot be used as it has a pH level of 12.6. It is important to follow the recommended cleaning protocol provided to ensure the treatment is not damaged.
Can we treat the areas ourselves?
To uphold our stringent quality control standards, only properly trained applicators should apply this treatment. This ensures the application is done accurately and helps ensure the efficacy of the treatment.
Who is using this treatment?
The treatment was created originally for medical textile applications. In recent times, it has been used in a variety of applications internationally, including hospitals, schools and universities and sporting facilities.
Is it environmentally friendly?
Our GERMGUARD Program is the environmentally friendly and user-friendly antimicrobial. No heavy metals, arsenic, tin or polychlorinated phenols. We addresses the two main ecological concerns associated with leaching antimicrobials: bleeding harmful toxins into the environment and the generation of adaptive organisms (super bugs).
What happens after a treated garment is thrown away or discarded?
A shirt treated with this program and placed in a landfill will break down to basic components in about five years: carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and silicon dioxide (sand or quartz) from which it was derived.
How much does it cost?
Due to the number of variables building by building, it is best to speak with our team about your specific needs so that we can provide you with a proper and accurate quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does GERMGUARD work?
The GERMGUARD Treatment Program treats textiles and surfaces with a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer that molecularly bonds to the treated surface, creating a permanent bond—you could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords.
When a microorganism comes into contact with the treated surface, the molecular sword punctures the cell membrane and an electrical charge shocks the cell. The treatment does not break down and the antimicrobial doesn’t lose its strength, leaving the sword ready for the next cell to contact it.
What are microorganisms?
Microorganisms are microscopic organisms and are very diverse. They include bacteria, fungi, yeast and algae. Some microbiologists also include viruses, but others consider these as non-living.
How does it compare to traditional antimicrobial treatments?
|
Traditional Antimicrobial Solutions (examples: Arsenic, Lead, Tin, Mercury, Silver, Animal by-products, etc.) |
GermGuard Treatment |
| Chemical Kill | Physical Kill |
| Work by poisoning the microbes | Works by piercing the cell membrane |
| The chemical leaches onto the surface, soaking the surrounding areas with that toxin so that it can be absorbed into the cell. | The positively charged Nitrogen attracts the negatively charged cell membrane of the microbe. The microbe is pierced by the molecular chain and destroys microorganisms on contact. When the negative and positive charges come into contact, it is electrocuted and blown apart. |
| Dissipates over time | With regular cleaning using mild soap and water, the molecular chains are cleaned, keeping them ready for action. |
How often should it be applied? How long does it last?
The antimicrobial treatment is permanently bonding, which means that it becomes part of the surface to which it is applied. In high-touch areas it is recommended applying semi-annually due to the fact that the surface is worn down with regular contact, and with the deterioration of the surface comes the deterioration of the antimicrobial.
Where can this treatment be applied?
The antimicrobial treatment can be applied to almost any surface, both hard and soft. It has been applied to textiles, building materials, high-touch surfaces and more.
Will this technology adversely affect the skin or environment?
No. The antimicrobial is permanently bound to the surfaces it protects – it does not leach from the surface onto the skin or into the environment. Extensive toxicological testing shows the antimicrobial does not cross the skin barrier.
Will its use result in ‘super bacteria’?
No. Adaptation studies show that microbes do not adapt to the GermGuard treated surface and no ‘Zone of Inhibition’ develops.
What removes it? Does bleach remove it? How about other chemicals?
The antimicrobial treatment is removed over time as the surface wears down. It can also be removed with abrasives (i.e.: scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, etc.) and harsh chemicals with a pH level of 11 or higher, as these chemicals wear down the surface, thereby removing the treatment. Bleach cannot be used as it has a pH level of 12.6. It is important to follow the recommended cleaning protocol provided to ensure the treatment is not damaged.
Can we treat the areas ourselves?
To uphold our stringent quality control standards, only properly trained applicators should apply this treatment. This ensures the application is done accurately and helps ensure the efficacy of the treatment.
Who is using this treatment?
The treatment was created originally for medical textile applications. In recent times, it has been used in a variety of applications internationally, including hospitals, schools and universities and sporting facilities.
Is it environmentally friendly?
Our GERMGUARD Technology is the environmentally friendly and user-friendly antimicrobial. No heavy metals, arsenic, tin or polychlorinated phenols. We addresses the two main ecological concerns associated with leaching antimicrobials: bleeding harmful toxins into the environment and the generation of adaptive organisms (super bugs).
What happens after a treated garment is thrown away or discarded?
A shirt treated with this technology and placed in a landfill will break down to basic components in about five years: carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and silicon dioxide (sand or quartz) from which it was derived.
How much does it cost?
Due to the number of variables building by building, it is best to speak with our team about your specific needs so that we can provide you with a proper and accurate quote.