Health Building Note (HBN) 00-01, HBN 00-10 – Part B Ceilings and Walls states that although biocides are available for these surfaces, no current testing proves they are effective in reducing HCAIs. Research shows biocides actually help microbes become resistant to common antimicrobials. We are at a critical point with antibiotic resistance increasing, and no alternatives that can effectively counter this problem. By using biocides so frequently, there is a concern that we may be making the situation worse.
Tests prove current biocides, particularly silver, are no more effective than the physical removal of microbes from walls and floors. Silver biocides can take up to two hours to completely eradicate microbes on a surface, giving a false sense of security and endangering health by allowing microbes to build resistance to biocides. Additionally, walls and floors have minimal exposure to microbes, making it unnecessary to include biocides in these surfaces.
Clean and safe
At Altro, we have taken the decision to remove biocides from our walls sheets and vinyl floors as independent testing has shown they are not effective in these surfaces.
A good cleaning regime, which is essential in any hygienic environment, can keep walls and floors clean without risking the spread of microbes.
In the United States, where legislation in different states has limited or even banned the use of biocides, improvements in hygiene have actually led to a decrease in HCAIs.
The most critical factor for infection control and prevention is hand hygiene; that is why we are recommending good hand hygiene as essential in preventing the spread of infection.
To help you choose the right floors and walls for each area of a hospital, the Altro Product Selector offers guidance in an instant. See how your product choices would look with our 3D Space Visualiser.