Health & Safety FAQs

What are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys?

MicroGuard alloys have been developed by combining strong, durable lead-free metals with the active ingredient of copper to produce a broad range of structurally strong antimicrobial materials that can be used on touch surfaces. MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys are engineered materials with a unique combination of properties that kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria* that cause infections in hospitals and other public buildings.

Is MicroGuard a coating?

No, MicroGuard is a solid metal material with inherent antibacterial properties that is registered with the EPA. Unlike antimicrobial coatings and additives, MicroGuard antimicrobial properties will not wear away or be rubbed off.

Why is the EPA registration important?

It's the first time the EPA has recognized solid materials as having antibacterial properties that support public health claims. Previously, only sprays, powders, and gases such as disinfectants and sterilizers could make public health claims. The EPA registration allows MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys to make public health claims regarding efficacy as a result of extensive independent laboratory testing. These health claims show that clean MicroGuard surfaces are capable of killing 99.9% of harmful bacteria* within two hours. The registration also establishes that MicroGuard alloys will not cause any adverse health or environmental effects.

Which bacteria* were tested under EPA-prescribed laboratory testing?

Testing demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against five infection-causing bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

What is a public health claim?

Under EPA guidelines, a public health claim relates to the elimination of infection-causing organisms that pose a significant threat to human health and must be supported by scientific data and testing.

Which public health claims does the EPA permit MicroGuard to make?

According to the EPA registration, laboratory testing showed that when cleaned regularly:

• MicroGuard surfaces continuously reduce bacteria* contamination, achieving 99.9% reduction within two hours of exposure.
• MicroGuard surfaces killed greater than 99.9% of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria* within two hours of exposure.
• MicroGuard surfaces deliver continuous and ongoing antibacterial* action, remaining effective in killing greater than 99.9% of bacteria* within two hours.
• MicroGuard surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of bacteria* within two hours and continues to kill more than 99.9% of bacteria* even after repeated contamination.
• MicroGuard surfaces help inhibit the buildup and growth of bacteria* within two hours of exposure between routine cleaning and sanitizing steps.

Where can MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys be used?

The EPA has approved MicroGuard materials for over 100 touch surface applications in healthcare, public, commercial, and residential buildings. Some of the applications include hospital bedrails, IV poles, grab bars, handrails, stair rails, and door hardware. Click on EPA approved applications for a complete list.

Why are MicroGuard materials needed?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospital-acquired infections affect 1.7 million people each year and cost over $28 billion. Over 99,000 people die annually from hospital-acquired infections. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced that the agency will no longer pay for preventable hospital acquired-infections. The most common hospital-acquired infection is MRSA, which has more than tripled since 2000. When you consider that the average MRSA case costs approximately $28,000 to treat, hospitals certainly need additional infection control measures, such as MicroGuard, which kills 99.9% of MRSA causing bacteria within two hours.

Despite increased hand washing, increased cleaning and disinfection, and isolation of infectious patients, hospital-acquired infections are still increasing. MicroGuard surfaces continuously reduce bioload between routine cleaning.

How can MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys benefit the public?

MicroGuard surfaces can help eliminate the amount of disease-causing bacteria* in hospitals and other public buildings. While MicroGuard touch surfaces are not a substitute for good cleaning and disinfection practices, MicroGuard may be an ideal supplement to a multi-faceted approach to prevent hospital and community acquired infections.

How does MicroGuard kill disease-causing bacteria*?

Copper is the active ingredient in MicroGuard alloys. Copper is an essential nutrient for humans as well as bacteria. Several different theories have been studied. The most likely scenarios indicate copper:

• Causes leakage of potassium or glutamate through the outer membrane of bacteria
• Disturbs osmotic balance in biofilms
• Binds to proteins that do not require copper
• Causes oxidative stress by generating hydrogen peroxide

Are you sure the active ingredient in MicroGuard is safe for humans?

Absolutely, the EPA registration states:

"These products pose no risks to public health; copper has been in use for centuries, and we know of no harm from such use. The products have been rigorously tested and have demonstrated antimicrobial activity. After consulting with independent organizations – the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services as well as a leading expert in the field, the (EPA) Agency has concluded that the use of these products could provide a benefit as a supplement to existing infection control measures."

How are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys superior to other antimicrobial materials?

Unlike the many antimicrobial coatings and additives on the market, MicroGuard alloys are solid metal materials with inherent antibacterial properties. MicroGuard antimicrobial properties will not wear away or be rubbed off. The antimicrobial efficacy of MicroGuard materials remains effective for the life of the product. Most of the antimicrobial coatings and additives on the market are not registered by the EPA and cannot claim to kill infectious bacteria. The EPA grants an exemption for a non-public-health use that is intended to protect the "treated article" or product itself. Many of these products are "treated articles" and not required to submit efficacy data to the EPA. In fact, "treated articles" may only make claims related to protection of the article itself against non-specific bacteria, mold, or mildew. The EPA has fined some of these companies for making public health claims without having any scientific evidence that their products are effective in killing bacteria. Click here to review the EPA Notice that explains the differences between public health claims and "treated article" exemptions.

How can MicroGuard materials support evidence based design principles?

The research conducted to obtain EPA registration supports evidence based design principles. Scientific tests showed that when cleaned regularly, MicroGuard surfaces kill greater than 99.9% of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria* within two hours. MicroGuard materials were also tested and compared to other materials commonly used in hospitals.

Are there any clinical trial results available on MicroGuard?

Government funded clinical trials are currently underway at three hospitals in the USA. These trials are designed to compare the efficacy of MicroGuard alloy surfaces to the plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum materials commonly used in hospital intensive care units. These trials will track the bacterial contamination levels in patient rooms that have been outfitted with MicroGuard surfaces versus existing materials as well as compare infection rates. Initial results should be available early in 2011.

Design FAQs

Are MicroGuard materials durable enough for healthcare environments?

Absolutely, most of the EPA approved applications are for healthcare surfaces. MicroGuard materials are corrosion resistant, wear resistant, and can be cleaned easily in accordance with hospital guidelines or by using our proprietary green cleaning products. MicroGuard surfaces are a supplement and not substitute for good cleaning and disinfection practices. MicroGuard surfaces will not chip or peel. MicroGuard alloys are also fingerprint resistant.

Can MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys be coated or waxed?

No, to ensure antimicrobial efficacy, MicroGuard surfaces cannot be painted, waxed, varnished or coated in any way.

Will MicroGuard materials change colors over time like copper roofs do?

MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys are approved for interior touch surfaces only so they will not be exposed to the weathering effect of an outdoor environment and will remain color consistent when cleaned regularly and as directed. MicroGuard green cleaning products are recommended.

Are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys strong enough to replace the stainless steel used on hospital handrails and grab bars?

Yes, definitely. MicroGuard materials were engineered to replace stainless steel in building applications such as handrails, grab bars, stair rails, carts, and door hardware to name just a few. See our component hardware list. For architects and building professionals that want to duplicate the look of stainless steel or chrome surfaces, MicroGuard materials have been developed to match these surfaces perfectly with the added benefit of killing harmful bacteria*. These MicroGuard alloys are both fingerprint and stain resistant. MicroGuard alloys will not react with concrete, glass, plastic, plaster, drywall, rubber, or wood surfaces.

Are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys available in different finishes and textures?

Yes, MicroGuard finish options include polished, satin, matte, distressed, and antique as well as the typical brushed #4, polished #6, and bright #7 finishes. Textures and amazing architectural effects can be created by polishing, buffing, grinding, etching, stamping, and weaving in accordance with our MicroGuard guidelines for fabrication. Aesthetically, MicroGuard materials offer numerous design possibilities. Please contact us or call 800-531-5268 for more information.

Can you weld and grind MicroGuard alloys?

Yes, you can easily weld, grind, or machine MicroGuard alloys. Our MicroGuard welding and brazing alloys are color-matched and have the same inherent antimicrobial properties as the base metal. See the Fabricating section for more information.

Are MicroGuard products and component parts available?

Yes, PMX provides MicroGuard handrailing, grab bars, push plates, and door handles in standard sizes. For custom applications, our prototype and pilot plant may be able to produce additional components and finished goods to your specifications. Please review our component hardware list.

Are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys recyclable?

Yes, in fact, if specified, PMX offers MicroGuard alloys with up to 100% recycled content and many other sustainable benefits. MicroGuard alloys do not contain any hazardous metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, or hexavalent chromium. Depending on the specific alloy, all of our MicroGuard materials contain between 35% and 100% of recycled content. 

Are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys expensive?

No, in fact, the life cycle cost alone makes MicroGuard materials a bargain for healthcare facilities and other public buildings. Initial cost, cleaning, and the life expectancy of the product must be evaluated as well as the salvage value of MicroGuard materials. MicroGuard alloys are inherently recyclable and retain most of the primary metal cost. When compared to other interior touch surface materials such as stainless steel or aluminum, MicroGuard is very cost competitive.

Fabricating and Finishing FAQs

How are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys supplied?

MicroGuard materials are available in strip, coil, sheet, plate, bar, tube, wire and casting alloy forms.

Are MicroGuard samples available?

Yes, just contact us or call 800-531-5268 to discuss your requirements.

How do you maintain and ensure the consistent quality of MicroGuard alloys?

During our entire production process, our operations are governed by our ISO 9001: 2000 quality management system. Our approach focuses on careful planning and design, outstanding laboratory practices, and expertise in fabrication, forming, and drawing. Our process control system is designed to maintain the optimal properties of MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys from beginning to end.

What are the best metalworking processes to use on MicroGuard materials?

MicroGuard alloys offer product developers unique combinations of properties that many other metals cannot match. MicroGuard alloys are structurally strong, highly ductile, malleable, and offer outstanding machinability. The materials can be formed, drawn, bent, threaded and riveted. Easy to join, MicroGuard materials can be MIG welded, TIG welded, resistance welded, and brazed. Licensed MicroGuard fabricators can benefit from our experience and obtain welding instructions, welding wire, and optimal shielding gas formulations. Our MicroGuard welding and brazing alloys can be color-matched and have the same inherent antimicrobial properties as the base metal. MicroGuard alloys are non-sparking, non-magnetic, and can be cut with laser, waterjet, saw, or plasma tools.

Do manufacturers need to do anything special to protect the antibacterial properties of the materials?

Since MicroGuard alloys cannot be coated in any way, OEMs and fabricators will need to use our proprietary line of stamping oils, degreasing agents, buffing compounds, and cleaners to ensure maximum antimicrobial efficacy from production to point-of-use. With each MicroGuard order, we will supply a complete MicroGuard Finishing System that includes:

• Stamping oils and lubricants to facilitate fabrication
• Degreasing agents for removal of oils and contaminants
• Buffing and polishing compounds that will not reduce antimicrobial efficacy
• Cleaners and activators that will clean and enhance antimicrobial performance once the product is in use
• Welding wire
• Shielding gas for MIG and TIG welding

Are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys designed for specific products and applications?

Yes, MicroGuard materials have been developed to produce more than 100 touch surface products that are used in healthcare facilities and other public buildings. Click EPA approved applications to review the list of touch surface applications.

Are MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys magnetic?

No, MicroGuard alloys are non-magnetic.

Where can I get assistance on manufacturing with MicroGuard antimicrobial copper alloys?

Our PMX sales and technical staff will review your specifications to ensure that we provide the best MicroGuard material for your requirements. We will work with you to choose the alloy and properties that will most cost-effectively enhance your design. We will visit your plant to make sure we understand your production processes. This up-front focus results in increased production rates, reduced costs, and lower down time. Just contact us or call 800-531-5268.

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