March 2007 - O'Dell Sponsors CMM March Tip of the Month: Antimicrobial Article

All Antimicrobials Are Not Created Equal

Silver is not often appreciated as a precious metal. It's much less expensive than gold, bears an unfortunate resemblance to aluminum foil, and is much harder to use in metalworking. There is also the added stigma of silver jewelry turning your skin black. Silver also requires polishing, which is a nuisance. Used wisely, however, silver could save your life.

The purifying qualities of silver are mentioned in many ancient texts and poems. Many assumed these qualities were only poetry, but archeologists have shed more light on the practical applications of silver in the ancient world. Egyptian doctors used silver plates to replace bone removed during brain surgery (with a 75% survival rate, unsurpassed in medicine until the 20th century, and the invention of antibiotics). The physicians of the Roman Legions used silver implements and silver staples to close battle wounds, because they found the infection rate with silver staples, when compared to stitches, was greatly reduced.

Today, it is still standard practice to put silver nitrate drops into the eyes of newborn infants to reduce the chance of infections. NASA uses silver to purify water for the Space Shuttle Program, because it has greater efficacy and far lower toxicity than chlorine. Silver ion treatment can kill bacteria in municipal wastewater and sterilize water for soft drink bottling processes. Silver is naturally anti-bacterial and safe for the environment.

The main concern of scientists with antibiotics and antimicrobials has been the development of resistant strains of bacteria. Some microbes are already immune to synthetic antiseptics, which suggests that a new/old approach to antimicrobial protection may be warranted.

One approach is to treat surfaces and objects with silver-based AgION antimicrobial. The AgION agent uses silver ions as its primary defense against bacterial growth. AgION antimicrobial, used as an additive to mop yarn textiles, can inhibit bacterial growth in commercial-grade mops. As it is a growth inhibitor, not a poison or bactericide, AgION is a safe antimicrobial that does not spread to surfaces and kill germs on floors. That job is for the disinfectant. What AgION provides is protection for the mophead itself, to stop bacteria from growing and possibly causing a "sour" smell in a damp mop, or degradation of the mop yarn.

The O'Dell Corporation carries a range of extremely durable mopheads constructed of AgION-treated rayon/synthetic fibers. These loop mops, the Sterling 4200 series, would be applicable for the commercial laundry rental market, for food service, healthcare, and all Jan/San applications.

The Sterling 4200 series mops would be helpful to textile rental companies following the LaundryESP or Laundry Environmental Stewardship Program. More environmentally-friendly washing solutions could be used, reducing harsh chemicals in wastewater discharge. Also, the safe AgION antimicrobial does not wash out into the environment and contribute to the growing problem of resistant bacterial strains.

For more information:
http://www.doulton.ca/silver.html#research
http://www.epa.gov/GED/publica/c2266.htm
http://www.agion-tech.com
http://www.health-report.co.uk/triclosan.html
http://www.grinningplanet.com/2005/10-04/triclosan-article.htm

For More information contact The O'Dell Corporation at 1.800.342.2843.