PMX produces a wide range of EPA approved MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys in a variety of colors, finishes and textures. Safe to use, MicroGuard materials have been approved for use on touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, schools, hotels, malls and other public and commercial buildings.

The CDC estimates that 80% of infections are transmitted by touch. While most furnishings for healthcare facilities and other public spaces are developed for easy cleaning, tests have shown that bacteria* still survive for many days on most of these materials even after cleaning. Research shows that even the best cleaning and disinfection efforts do not always reduce the microbial burden to benign levels. Following terminal cleaning, one study showed that 74% of hospital room surfaces still had MRSA.

Evidence based practices show that by eliminating microbial burden* on high touch surfaces, you can reduce the transmission of microbes that cause hospital acquired infections.

MicroGuard reduces the buildup and growth of deadly bacteria* on touch surfaces. On MicroGuard surfaces, 99.9% of bacteria* will die within two hours as long as the surfaces are not painted, waxed, varnished or coated in any way. MicroGuard continuously reduces microbial burden* in between routine cleaning.

For architects and designers that want to duplicate the look of stainless steel or chrome surfaces, some MicroGuard antimicrobial copper materials have been developed to match the look of stainless steel with the added benefit of killing infectious bacteria* including MRSA and VRE. MicroGuard materials are stronger than aluminum alloys and can replace stainless steel in many applications.

PMX also supplies component hardware made from MicroGuard materials. The following products are currently available:

• Handrailing
• Door handles
• Push plates
• Pull plates
• Kick plates
• Light switch covers

MicroGuard materials and component hardware are approved for use in healthcare, public, commercial, and residential buildings. MicroGuard handrailing will reduce microbial contamination in all types of public buildings.

*Testing demonstrates effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE).