Microban® is a pesticide that an
acrylic sheet producer has added to its product for bath and hot tub
surfaces. The company is insinuating and implying health and cleaning
benefits that haven’t been proven. In fact, new scientific evidence
indicates that there is no difference between untreated acrylic sheet and
acrylic sheet made with Microban in killing or inhibiting the growth of
bacteria on the respective surfaces. What
is Microban? Microban is a registered pesticide made
by the Microban Products Company of Huntersville, N.C. Its primary
ingredient is a chemical called triclosan, which, in its liquid form, has
been used as a disinfectant in hospitals for over 25 years. In 1980, three
biochemical engineers invented a process to imbed the pesticide into the
structure of plastics. This became the technology upon which Microban
would be based, and in 1990, the Microban Products Company was formed.
Since that time, Microban additives have been incorporated into a variety
of consumer and commercial products. Does
Microban kill or slow the growth of bacteria when used in acrylic sheet? No. A study was conducted
by SGS U. S. Testing Company Inc., an independent laboratory in Fairfield,
N. J. Completed in January of 2000, the tests indicate that there is
no difference between untreated acrylic sheet and acrylic sheet made with
Microban in killing or slowing the growth of bacteria on the respective
surfaces. How
was the new study conducted? Samples of manufactured bathtubs that
contain both the untreated and treated acrylic sheets were purchased from
retail establishments and cut into samples. Each sample was exposed to
strains of bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus
aureus (S. aureus), and Streptococcus faecalis (S. faecalis). The acrylic
samples sat for periods of 0, 4 and 24 hours. The bacteria were then
removed from the acrylic surfaces and measured and counted according to
standard protocol. What
are the results of the study? Specifically, SGS U. S. Testing Company
concluded that the samples of untreated and treated acrylic sheets “did
not show any anti-microbial activity (0% bacterial reduction) at 4 or 24
hours against” E. coli, S. aureus, and S. faecalis. Is
a bath or hot tub made with Microban “healthier?” Absolutely not. In fact, manufacturers
of Microban-treated acrylic sheet are not allowed by law to even imply
that they are. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
will not allow Microban Products Company, or any of its customers, to make
claims regarding health benefits, such as protection from germs or disease
prevention. Why? Because there is no specific evidence that any of the
products treated with Microban are effective in preventing the spread of
bacteria or disease. Do
hot tubs and baths treated with Microban need to be cleaned? Absolutely. Materials with Microban
still need normal and frequent cleaning and disinfecting. Microban does
not protect against hard water film buildup or stains, or soap scum
residue. Also, the presence of Microban does not reduce the need or amount
of sanitizers needed in a hot tub’s water. In fact, a hot tub or bath treated with
Microban needs exactly the same level of maintenance and cleaning as one
that is not treated with Microban. Does
Microban make acrylic easier to clean, last longer, or look newer longer? There is no published evidence that
shows Microban makes acrylic sheet easier to clean, last longer, or look newer longer.
Why?
Because acrylic sheet is already one of the most durable, long-lasting,
and beautiful materials used in the hot tub and bath markets. What
benefit does Microban add to acrylic hot tubs and baths? Strictly speaking, acrylic sheet
treated with Microban offers customers and consumers no benefits that are
not inherently part of the acrylic material. There is no proof that
anti-microbial agents incorporated into acrylic sheet products provide any
health benefits whatsoever. And now, there is specific scientific evidence
that indeed Microban does not provide any antibacterial benefit when used
in acrylic sheet. What
do expert scientists say about adding Microban to consumer goods? Several noted microbiologists have said
that adding Microban to many consumer goods is unnecessary, and some have
even called it a “marketing gimmick.” Not only have experts said that the
benefits of Microban are questionable, but many are also concerned that
the wide-spread use of these substances may cause a major public health
problem. Researchers are concerned that repeated use of products
containing triclosan could be breeding resistant bacteria, or “superbugs.”
A 1998 Tufts University study showed that over-exposure created five
different triclosan-resistant strains of E. coli. According to Tufts’
Dr. Stuart Levy, “If the idea is to sterilize surfaces, it is misguided.
You can’t sterilize surfaces that are open to the air. You will not
eliminate bacteria, but rather replace them with other micro-organisms
which could be potentially harmful.” The
truth is... Continuous cast acrylic has served as
the premier surface for millions of hot tubs and baths sold in North
America over the past 20 years. Acrylic has a proven track record of
retaining its beauty and high-gloss shine through years of everyday use.
Acrylic is extremely hard and non-porous by nature. So, dirt, soapy film,
and germs can’t easily penetrate. Untreated, it is the material of
choice for quality baths and hot tubs. For any questions or a copy of "More Truth About Microban® and Anti-Microbial Agents in Acrylic Sheet", call
Aristech Acrylics LLC at 1-800-354-9858. Microban
is a registered trademark of
Microban Products Company.
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