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		How MICROBAN® Product Protection affects human beings Microban is not a toxin. It is a sub-micron-sized cell-wall penetrant which disrupts the metabolic function of thin-walled microorganisms. Human cells that are thick-walled are not affected. Consequently, Microban® is EPA registered for product applications which are safe for human skin. Additionally, FDA approval for sale as a medical device has been obtained for polyethylene surgical incise drape containing Microban®. The following (household) products contain Microban® protection: humidifiers, pillows, bedding, socks, carpeting, blankets, towels, bathtubs, vanity tops, bath mats, cutting boards, garbage bags, sponges, peelers, wall paint, mattress pads, housekeeping buckets, shower curtains, string mops, mop handles, toilet seats, tile grout, knife handles, and many more . . . as well as medical products, dental products and, of course, toothbrushes! MICROBAN® technology protects you, your patients and your personnel 24 hours a day. The Microban® additive is an antimicrobial preservative agent that helps control the growth of a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It actually penetrates the cell wall of these thin-walled microorganisms, disrupting their metabolic function. MICROBAN® Antimicrobial Product Protection inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew that cause odors and stains. The pictures in the margin illustrate the effect of MICROBAN® They show the movement of the antimicrobial agent after cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing a product. After five minutes, Microban® Product Protection has already started to “migrate” to the surface. By 60 minutes, Microban® Product Protection has achieved complete equilibrium and appears as a series of white “mountain tops” on the surface. Zero minutes condition never happens since removal of the antimicrobial agent by friction merely removes some of the “mountain tops” which are quickly replaced as additional material migrates to the surface. In fact, sterilization, washing and rubbing action actually stimulate the Microban® additive into action.