Testing antimicrobial efficacy on porous materials

Abstract

The efficacy of antimicrobial treatments to eliminate or control biological growth in the indoor environment can easily be tested on non-porous surfaces. However, the testing of antimicrobial efficacy on porous surfaces, such as those found in the indoor environment (i.e., gypsum board, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning duct-liner insulation, and wood products) can be more complicated and prone to incorrect conclusions regarding residual organisms and non-viable allergens. Research to control biological growth using three separate antimicrobial encapsulants on contaminated duct-liner insulation has been performed in both field and laboratory testing. The results indicate differences in antimicrobial efficacy for the period of testing. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel