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

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 other materials especially in scratches and abrasions. MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys are different because they are solid structures with inherent antibacterial properties. On MicroGuard surfaces, 99.9% of bacteria* will not survive beyond two hours as long as the surfaces are not painted, waxed, varnished or coated in any way.

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

Since MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys are designed for interior surfaces, they will not be exposed to the weathering effect of an outdoor environment and will remain color consistent over time.

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

• Handrailing
• Grab bars
• 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, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.