Microban

Microban International, Ltd. produces chemicals used for antimicrobial product protection. These persistent chemicals provide antimicrobial properties in consumer, industrial and medical products.

Added to products during the manufacturing process, Microban inhibits the growth of microbes, such as bacteria, mold and mildew.

The broad application of the Microban product in everything from cutting boards to flooring, along with its long life in the product and hence the environment, has raised some concerns about the long term effects of its promiscuous use.

Some of the areas of concern include:

* development of resistant organisms
* possible carcinogenic properties
* suspected conversion by sunlight into dioxin
* production of chloroform in contact with water

References