What it means to be truly long-lasting

COATING SHOULD BE TESTED AND PROVEN TO WORK OUTSIDE OF THE LABORATORY

Lab tests conducted in live real-world conditions (OUTSIDE of laboratory)

Live laboratory swabs tests (measured in Colony Forming Units) are done on-site at actual premises that have been coated for some time. The swabs that are provided by the accredited laboratory are subsequently brought back to the laboratory to accurately measure the microbes that are still surviving on the surfaces. A lab report is subsequently issued to certify if the level of microbes are within recognized benchmarks to determine the effectiveness of the coating.

Adenosine Triphosphate Tests (ATP) have been widely used in the market as a quick and low-cost indicative tests that can provide an rough estimate of the amount of live cells on a non-porous surface within 10-15 seconds. It is stated in the advisory of Singapore’s National Environment Agency, that “Further, test data that use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels are NOT applicable to viruses, as ATP is present in bacteria and organic material, but NOT viruses”. Furthermore, the accuracy of such ATP Tests in a highly dynamic environment outside of lab or cleanroom premises, are largely affected by different substrates (surfaces), chemical residues, other organic contaminants (such as skin cells, dead or live) present on surfaces and other dynamic environmental conditions.

Actual real-time durability tests in accredited laboratories

In the interest of time and costs, coatings are usually subjected to accelerated aging tests (e.g. using heat incubation chamber to expose coating to 40 continuous days to simulate a durability of 1 year) or simulated tests (e.g. 300 straight wipes to simulate daily wiping). The coating is then subjected to antimicrobial testing after such accelerated/simulated treatments.

On top of these accelerated/simulated tests, coatings should be tested and proven to stay effective in real-time, for the actual duration that it is claiming to be effective for. For example, a coating claiming for 1 year durability should be able to stay effective after a full actual year of aging. This means that the coating is subjected to a full actual year of aging, and then tested for its efficacy against germs.

Non-accredited testing institutions that are unable to endorse certifications

Real-life testimonials of effective results after full duration of application

The end-goal and purpose of engaging antimicrobial coatings is truly for the protection and health of employees and the general public by enabling surfaces to have 24/7 self-disinfection. Applying such coatings can lead to reduction in sickness rates of COVID-19, HFMD, Viral Stomach flu and others by importantly minimizing clusters of cross-infections from forming as much as possible. Genuine testimonials provide an assuring indication that with a more active intervention, workplaces and households can benefit from less disruptions, absenteeism and saving on costs incurred from a positive infection.

AirTumTec is continuously and rigorously tested with independent third-party CFU Swabs on public buses, 1 year of real-time laboratory test results that consistently show hygiene results well within stringent benchmarks. Continuous testimonials on a noticeable drop in infection clusters have also been reported across early childhood centres, sports associations and gymnasiums.

Staying effective under frequent
wear-and-tear conditions

COATING SHOULD BE TESTED AND PROVEN TO WORK OUTSIDE OF THE LABORATORY

MICRO ABRASION / SCRATCHES

Surfaces can typically go through hundreds or even thousands of constant knocks, hard contact by bags, laptop, keys, phones and many other everyday items. The frequency can vary widely depending on human traffic and locations. For example, a standing commuter wearing a ring to tightly grip a handle during a 30-minute bus trip can subject the bus handle to potentially hundreds of abrasive micro scratches that can adversely impact the integrity of a coating that is unable to resist such abrasions or scratches. The same can be said about laptops, phones and keys that are shifted on hard surfaces such as tables and counters at workplaces or homes. Generally speaking, abrasions and scratches are the harshest but yet the most frequent daily wear-and-tear that occurs.

ROUTINE WIPING WITH DISINFECTANT CHEMICALS

Surfaces typically go through 3-4 times of disinfectant cleaning at workplaces, or once a day in homes. Coatings should be tested and demonstrate resistance to such common disinfectant chemicals with prolonged soaking and wiping tests. Coatings that are tested using simulated wiping cycles should cater for sufficient cycles to truly simulate real-world conditions. Workplaces or washrooms that are routinely cleaned 4 times a day (typical average), go through 730 cycles of disinfectant wiping in 6 months, or 1,460 cycles a year. Coatings should be tested accordingly to internationally recognized standards with specialized laboratory equipment that provide a consistent and sufficient pressure. In-house methods do not accurately simulate real-world scenarios where wiping pressure applied on surfaces can defer depending on individual strength. Different wiping cloths can also provide different roughness; the selection of a sufficiently rough/abrasive cloth material will also matter in this case.

TABLE 2: LIST OF SELF-DISINFECTING SURFACE COATING PRODUCTS EFFECTIVE AGAINST CORONAVIRUSES

Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has specifically listed coatings that have demonstrated the ability to stay effective against coronaviruses after undergoing durability tests, mostly after wiping/rubbing tests. These products have been evaluated and listed by NEA, after evaluating close to 60 over different products.

AirTumTec Pro is the FIRST spray-on coating listed by Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry Of Sustainability and The Environment. The ONLY Class A long-lasting disinfectant coating to achieve ASTM D4060 (American Standard) with 2,000 abrasion cycles for long-lasting effectiveness against COVID-19 Virus.

Protection against a wide
spectrum of viruses and bacteria

1. VIRUSES

Enveloped & non-enveloped viruses

Viruses can be divided into two main categories; enveloped viruses, which have a lipid membrane (envelope) that is derived from the host cell; and non- enveloped viruses, which lack a membrane. Examples of enveloped viruses include influenza, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), HIV, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), vaccinia virus, and human coronaviruses (such as NL63, 229E, OC43, and SARS-CoV-2). Some examples of non-enveloped viruses are norovirus (stomach flu), enterovirus (HFMD), adenovirus and rhinovirus.

2. BACTERIA

Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria

Gram-negative bacteria are surrounded by a thin peptidoglycan cell wall, which itself is surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide. Gram-positive bacteria lack an outer membrane but are surrounded by layers of peptidoglycan many times thicker than is found in the Gram-negatives. In general, disinfectants or coatings claiming for antibacterial effect must be tested and certified effective against both Gram- positive bacteria (e.g. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli [E-coli] & Salmonella).

AirTumTec Pro is a genuinely tough and durable coating defence against multiple human coronaviruses and germs that cause HFMD, viral stomach flu and food poisoning such as E-coli and Salmonella.

Coating must be safe for all,
including young children

1. SAFE FOR PROLONGED SKIN CONTACT

Non-leaching tests

Similar to paints, lacquer and varnishes, antimicrobial coatings are expected to stay on surfaces for a long time and also come into contact with human skin or pets. Chemical leaching happens when the chemical ingredient of such coatings leaks or seeps out from the coating overtime, either through rubbing off onto human or pets through skin contact or causing harm to the environment through direct seepage into water sources. Antimicrobial coatings must undergo non-leaching tests to demonstrate that its chemical ingredients do not seep out or rub onto skin over time and will not cause harm to the humans and environments.
Non-toxic

The long-lasting nature of such coatings on commonly touched surfaces also require it to be non-cytotoxic (non-carcinogenic), free of heavy metals and other harmful chemicals that can potentially cause sicknesses or diseases to people and pets. The environmental impacts of the life cycle of such coating chemicals should also be considered.

Non-Allergenic

Skin allergies or sensitivities affect a whooping 10-30% of the world population. The skin is the body’s largest organ and exposure to coatings with potential allergens that have not been tested for skin sensitivity can lead to itchy rashes, hives, swelling eyes, throat or in serious cases, even lead to death. Allergens can arise from the environment (dust, pollen, insects, mold), certain chemicals (perfumes, household chemicals), drugs (medication) and food (diary, shellfish and nuts). Avoid exposure to such potential allergens especially if some active ingredients are based on such chemicals or food extracts.

2. SAFE FOR FOOD CONTACT

Active ingredient

Antimicrobial coatings, being on high touch food surfaces such as dining tables, kitchen counters and food preparation tables, need to be certified as food contact safe to ensure safety of consumers especially within F&B establishments. Such coatings that are applied in food establishments and home kitchens, need to demonstrate such safety standards to prevent any adverse effects to humans and especially children.

3. SAFE FOR CHILDREN

Accidental ingestion & inhalation

Apart from being free of allergens, the coating solution could potentially be accidentally ingested or inhaled by children. The coating solution should be tested to be safe for children in the event of accidental ingestion or inhalation.

4. QUALITY INGREDIENTS

Ensure uncontaminated ingredients

Gram-negative bacteria are surrounded by a thin peptidoglycan cell wall, which itself is surrounded by an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide. Gram- positive bacteria lack an outer membrane but are surrounded by layers of peptidoglycan many times thicker than is found in the Gram-negatives. In general, disinfectants or coatings claiming for antibacterial effect must be tested and certified effective against both Gram-positive bacteria (e.g. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli [E-coli] & Salmonella).

5. NON-STAINING & NON-CORROSIVE ON SURFACES

Do not stain nor cause premature corrosion on coated surfaces

AirTumTec’s active ingredient is a natural mineral extract that is approved for food use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). AirTumTec coating is certified non-cytotoxic, safe for food contact and is non-leaching (coating does not seep out onto your skin). The coating does not contain any allergens, heavy metals and is tested safe for children.

Facts about the correct certifications

1. RELIABLE TESTING LABORATORY

GLP-Compliant (Good Laboratory Practices)

In most reputable laboratories, you will often see the term “GLP-compliant”. GLP stands for “Good Laboratory Practice” which was introduced back in 1972. This is a quality assurance system that laboratories use to ensure integrity, consistency, and reproducibility within non-clinical studies and tests. Essentially, this is of paramount importance for certification and testing procedure to be attained by GLP-Compliant Laboratory to ensure quality assurance.

Accredited by regulatory body

Accreditation enhances the credibility of laboratory tests, inspection, certification reports and certificates by providing reliable third-party assurance that these services are conducted professionally and meet globally-recognized standards. In other words, testing and calibration laboratories, inspection and certification bodies have been assessed against internationally recognized stands to demonstrate their competence, impartiality, and performance capability. Examples of accredited certifying bodies include UKAS, Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC).

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Observation Reports issued by Research Institutions

A research institute, research centre, research center or research organization is an establishment founded for doing research. Research institutes, including university- based institutes, may specialize in basic research or may be oriented to applied research. Thus, certifications attained from these establishment are not an endorsement of the product from the researchers employed. The results are based on the scientific experiments being carried out in the research establishment. In most circumstances, the scientific data cannot be used for publicity materials or advertisement. Essentially, certifications attained from GLP-Compliant and Accredited certifying body is important.

Lab tests conducted based on in-house standards

Certifications based on in-house standards are normally conducted by qualifying against a reference standard or primary standard. These testing procedures are prepared based on in-house capability.

Unlike in-house standards, certifications based on international standards such as ISO, ASTM, JISZ, BS, EN etc, are technical standards developed by one or more international standards organizations. International standards are easily available and widely used globally. Thus, it is important for certifications to be conducted based on international standards.

2. THE CORRECT CERTIFICATION STANDARDS FOR COATINGS

There are specific accredited standards to test COATINGS (ISO 22196, ISO 21702 & JIS Z 2801)

Disinfectant tests standards are NOT the same as coating test standards. There are many coating products in the marketing that only conduct DISINFECTANT tests to claim antimicrobial effectiveness. Disinfectant tests are designed to test liquid solutions (by direct pouring) and not coatings that are dried and cured on surfaces. Example of disinfectant testing standards include EN17272, EN14476, EN16777, EN1276, EN13704, and coating products should refrain from using these standards to incorrectly representing antimicrobial effectiveness of their coatings. To determine the genuine performance for the self-disinfecting surface coatings, it is important to test the coating against international standards designed for testing coating materials. Some of international standards recommended for coating include ISO22196, ISO21702 and JIS Z2801.

AirTumTec Pro is tested by accredited reputable independent laboratories in Europe, USA and Singapore. It is certified ISO 21702, ISO 22196, JIS Z 2801, ASTM D4060 and more.