The Microban Technology

MICROBAN

Atlantic Pools have developed the world’s first fibreglass composite swimming pool with the Anti Bacterial technology of Microban.

Microban provides Anti Bacterial protection, inhibiting the growth of potentially harmful Algae & Bacteria on the fibreglass surface. Microban treated pools therefore stay cleaner for longer than your normal untreated pools.

While not a substitute for good hygienic practices Microban makes an important contribution to a more healthy hygienic swimming environment.

Choose your pool wisely! Does it have Microban?

ONLY YOUR ATLANTIC POOL with exclusive “MICROBAN” inhibits the growth of potentially harmful Bacteria such as Ecoli and Algae.

Download the Microban Brochure

Download the Microban Technology Overview.pdf

http://www.microban.com/asia-pacfic/english/products/building-products/pools-spas/atlantic-pools

All about microbes

What's a Microbe?

Microbes or microorganisms are living cells that are too small to be seen with the naked eye and must be viewed through a microscope. The naked eye is only able to detect the presence of microbes once they have been multiplied to the hundreds and thousands. And under the right conditions, microbes can double in number every 15-20 minutes. Types of microorganisms include bacteria, algae and fungi or mould. Technologies that fight the growth of these organisms are called antimicrobials.

Bacteria

Billions of years ago, bacteria were among the earliest forms of life on Earth. Today, bacteria are present in the soil, in the air, in water, on plants and even on animals and humans.

There’s no escaping the presence of bacteria and in fact, many of the bacteria we encounter are beneficial to the environment and even to the human body helping us to digest food for example. However, some bacteria are harmful and can cause illness.

Fungus

Early fossil records suggest that fungi have been on Earth for over 550 million years. And some experts estimate that today over 1.5 million fungus species exist. Common fungi include mushrooms, puffballs, truffles, yeasts and most mildews. Fungi are commonly referred to as mould and begin life as microscopic airborne spores that germinate on contact with the surface of a nonliving organic matter where moisture is present. Mould is then able to penetrate the organic material, secreting enzymes and absorbing water and the digested sugars and starches from the nutrient source.

Mould spores are present everywhere in our indoor and outdoor environment and many of the products found in our homes provide rich nutrient sources. The best defense is prevention: control moisture in your home including high humidity levels and look for products that resist the growth of mould.

Algae

Simple, plantlike microorganisms, algae are often classified at the phylum level according to their color, i.e. green, red, golden-brown and brown. Algae vary in size from microscopic algae to the largest forms such as seaweeds. While they can vary in habitat, most algae are found in fresh water or seawater. Algae use the energy of sunlight through the process of photosynthesis to make their own food.

Algae produce more oxygen than all plants combined and play an invaluable role in our ecosystem. Humans have also found other uses for algae, as food for people and animals, as thickening agents in ice cream, in shampoos and even in some drugs. In some cases, they can however damage product surfaces for example your swimming pool filter, the hull of your boat, or the exterior of your home.

Bacteria results

Proven Effective

All products engineered with Microban protection undergo extensive testing in our microbiology and chemical analysis labs. In addition, Microban technology has been proven effective in over 20,000 tests at over 27 independent laboratories around the world.

Using industry standard testing methods, the samples to the right demonstrate the effectiveness of Microban technology against bacteria.

Bacteria Performance

Microban technology is effective against a broad range of gram positive and gram negative bacteria including Escherichia Coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. These samples were tested for efficacy against bacteria using the Kirby Bauer test method. Both samples were inoculated with bacteria and then photographed after 24 hours. The top sample was manufactured with Microban protection and the bottom sample was untreated. The sample with built-in Microban protection showed no growth. The untreated sample showed significant contamination.

How does Microban work?

Microban® technology is built-in to a product during the manufacturing process and becomes an intrinsic part of the product inside and at the surface. When microbes, such as bacteria, mould and mildew come in contact with the product surface, Microban protection penetrates the cell wall of the microbe and disrupts key cell functions so that the microbe cannot function, grow or reproduce.
View Polymers Video

Mould Results

Proven Effective
All products engineered with Microban protection undergo extensive testing in our microbiology and chemical analysis labs. In addition, Microban technology has been proven effective in over 20,000 tests at over 27 independent laboratories around the world.

Using industry standard testing methods, the samples to the right demonstrate the effectiveness of Microban technology against mould.

Mould Performance

These samples were tested for efficacy against mould using the AATCC Test Method 30, Part III. Both samples were inoculated with mould and then photographed after 7 days. The top sample was manufactured with Microban protection and the bottom sample was untreated. The sample with built-in Microban protection showed no growth on or around the sample. The untreated sample showed significant contamination.

FAQs

1. What is Microban® protection?

Microban® technology is built-in protection for solid products, coatings and fibers. Microban protection gives products an added level of protection against harmful microbes such as, bacteria, mould and mildew.

2. How do products with Microban® protection work?

Microban® protection is built-in to the product during the manufacturing process. When microbes come in contact with the product surface, Microban protection penetrates the cell wall of the microorganism and disrupts cell functions making the microorganism unable to function, grow and reproduce.

3. What benefit do I get from products with Microban® protection?

Microban® protection continuously fights the growth of harmful microbes that can cause stains, odours, product degradation and cross contamination. Microban protection makes the products in your home more hygenic, easier to clean and keeps them cleaner and fresher between cleanings.

4. What types of microorganisms does Microban® protection work against?

Microban® protection is effective against most common bacteria, yeasts, moulds and fungi.

5. How do I know that Microban® protection is safe?

Microban® technology has undergone extensive independent laboratory testing and has a long history of safe use. Microban additives are EU approved and can be found in the products of leading consumer, industrial and medical products manufacturers around the world.

6. Does this mean I don’t have to clean my products as much or as carefully?

No. Microban® protection provides continuous protection that keeps products in your home cleaner between cleanings. However, normal cleaning practices recommended by the product manufacturer should be maintained.

7. Does Microban® protection begin working immediately?

Microban® protection begins to work as soon as the microorganism comes into contact with the product surface. It then works continuously to maintain a consistently lower bio-burden than would be expected on a product without Microban® protection. Under the right conditions, microbes on an untreated surface can double every 20 minutes!

8. How long does Microban® protection work?

Microban® protection is built-in during the manufacturing process and will not wash off or wear away. Microban protection is engineered to provide continuous protection for the useful lifetime of the product, keeping the products in your home cleaner and fresher for longer than ever before.

9. Has anyone ever gotten sick from using products with Microban® protection?

Extensive testing and a long use history have shown Microban® protection to be safe. While it is impossible to say that no one will ever experience an allergic reaction to anything, it is highly unlikely a negative experience would be observed. Microban additives are used in very low levels measured in parts per million.

10. Does the use of antibacterials cause resistant strains of microorganisms?

No. After more than 30 years of use in numerous consumer, industrial and medical applications around the world, there has been no evidence of resistant strain development.

Why Atlantic Pools with Microban?

• Built-in Microban antibacterial protection continuously works to inhibit the growth of bacteria on treated surfaces and even in scratches on product surfaces where normal cleaning cannot reach.

• Microban does not wash off or wear away.

• Microban lasts for the useful life of the treatment product.

• Microban has proven to be effective as tested by independent laboratories worldwide.

• Microban is safe to humans and the environment.

Antimicrobial Efficacy

The petri dishes below demonstrate Microban antimicrobial efficacy.

The sample treated with Microban inhibits the growth of bacteria with a clear inhibition zone around the sample. The sample without Microban is overgrown with bacteria.

*This information is based upon independent laboratory tests. Microban antibacterial protection is not a substitute for good hygiene practices, but provides additional protection in-between regular cleanings.