This is a look at what chemicals are used when Microban is listed as the antimicrobial on a building material or household product.
Microban could be six different chemicals incorporated into household items according to their website.
Note I’m not covering cleaning products, isolated disinfectant sprays, or industrial products.
You often see Microban listed as the antimicrobial in flooring, countertops, stone sealers, paints,
Microban no longer offers triclosan (source).
Microban Antimicrobial Chemicals
1. Silver ion – this is the Microban chemical I see most often in consumer products.
It’s a non-nano silver ion used in polymers, coatings like powder-coated door handles, paints, light switches, bed rails, grout, flooring, food storage containers, home textiles like bedding and hospital gowns, water tanks, and dishwashers.
“The antimicrobial active ingredient generally used in paints and coatings is silver ion — it’s well proven, offers excellent efficacy and is suitable for use in all types of paints and coatings in a wide range of applications.”Jennifer Collier, Partner Development Manager of BioCote https://www.pcimag.com/articles/108968-antimicrobial-paints-and-coatings
2. Quat-silane-based antimicrobial for polyurethane foam and coatings.
3. “Ascera” is a chemical that is not revealed – they say it’s similar to acids found in nature, used in solvent-based coatings/paints and in plastics.
Some natural acids used as antifungals in paints include Benzoic acid, Sorbic acid, Potassium Sorbate, Pimaric Acids, and p-Hydroxybenzoic acid esters (parabens). However, I don’t have any insider information on what chemical Ascerca is and it may not be one of those acids used by other companies.
4. Sodium-pyrithione used in water-based coatings.
5. Zinc pyrithione a common preservative in paint, also used in other coatings, textiles, polymer products, artificial turf, caulks and sealants, and cement.
6. “MicroGuard”, this Microban chemical is not revealed, and there are no hints as to what it could be, apart from the fact that it is not a metal.
This is recommended for many applications, including roofing membranes, car seating, decking, mattresses, luxury vinyl tiling (LVT), wallcoverings, upholstery, and awnings. It is integrated into PVC, PU, and EVA.
Some known antimicrobials used in luxury vinyl tile/plank include: Poly hexamethylenediamine guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG), Nisin or Triclosan, silver (the most commonly used antibacterial agent) (source), Phenylthiourea derivatives, Copper and Cadmium complexes derived from thiourea compounds, zinc, zeolite (source), Peptides and cationic compounds, ionic liquids, especially those containing imidazolium cations with long alkyl chains, ionic liquids, HdmimDMSIP and OOMmimPF6 (source).
That doesn’t mean that MicroGuard is one of these chemicals on the list.
7. “UltraFresh“
Microban also acquired UltraFresh. There is no information on which chemical this is.
Corinne Segura holds certificates in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.
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