The term “Antimicrobial” covers a broad range of activity by different compounds. The activities of such “Antimicrobials” vary from, killing the microorganisms, slowing the growth, inhibiting their growth, resisting their growth, and preventing biofouling. EPA classifies antimicrobial products as public health products if they control microbes which cause infections in humans and animals and as non-public health products if they only control microbes which cause infections in animals.

Antimicrobial ceramic tiles…..what kind of antimicrobial action do they possess?

Some of the test methods available to assess antimicrobial activity of ceramic tiles with incorporated antimicrobials are JIS Z 2801, ISO 22196, and ISO 27447. These test standards provide an assessment of “cidal” activity or the killing action of the antimicrobials against bacteria. Test method ASTM E2180 is used for growth inhibiting or killing of fungi, ASTM G29 for activity against algae, and ASTM E1428 to test against staining or biofouling. Many test methods such as ASTM G21 are available to test resistance to mold growth.

Not sure what kind of antimicrobial property your product demonstrates? TCNA lab can help with the answer. TCNA’s Product Performance Testing Laboratory can help identify test methods most suitable to assess antimicrobial products and has helped many satisfied clients with methods custom designed for their products. Contact TCNA lab at 864-646-8453 for more details.