Biocides in antimicrobial paints

Abstract

There is a real need to take all means possible to control the spread of pathogenic bacteria and fungi in health facilities. The use of biocide containing antimicrobial surfaces is one additional option being strongly promoted to complement the standard cleaning and disinfection practices. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in medical facilities has resulted in significant media attention and the widespread dissemination of information to the general population. The fear of germs, fuelled by headlines of ‘superbugs’ plus recent viral pandemics, is also being used to support advertising campaigns to sell similar products for household use.