Improved Control of Microbial Exposure Hazards in Hospitals: A 30-Month Field Study

The microbial colonization of environmental surfaces in hospitals and other buildings can produce infective, allergenic, and toxigenic risks for occupants. Traditional disinfectant/sanitizer formulations do not provide sustained control of microbial contamination at low levels and their extended use is potentially dangerous to man and the environment. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a new class of antimicrobial agents that covalently bond to surfaces and are not chemically reactive with the microbial cells. This organosilicon antimicrobial, 3-trimethoxysilylpropyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (AEGIS™ Antimicrobial), produces antimicrobially active surfaces on a variety of substrates. After modifying the interior surfaces of a flood-damaged hospital with this antimicrobial, we evaluated airborne microbial concentrations for 30 months. The results show a significant and sustained reduction of viable airborne microorganisms.