Antimicrobials are a class of essential substances that help prevent the spread of harmful organisms—such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi—and protect vital systems, shared spaces, and our homes, so we can live and work with greater confidence and safety.
What Are Antimicrobials?
Where are antimicrobials used?
From homes to hospitals, antimicrobials are an important part of our everyday life.
Antimicrobial products, such as disinfectants and sanitizers, are regularly used in hospitals, schools, and public spaces to help kill germs on surfaces, helping prevent the spread of colds, flu, norovirus, and other diseases. Continue here to learn more.
Antimicrobials also work behind the scenes to help protect critical systems and processes.
Antimicrobial preservatives help prevent and reduce the growth of mold, mildew, and other microbes that can damage manufacturing machinery and processes and protect a range of products, such as paint, cleaning products, and construction materials from microbes that cause spoilage and decay.
These preservatives help keep our supply chain and essential infrastructure running. Continue here to learn more (linked to page 7)
Safety
Antimicrobial products are thoroughly regulated by both state and federal government agencies. In fact, many antimicrobials go through more rigorous testing than everyday personal care products—like shampoo or body lotion. Before any antimicrobial product can be sold, companies must generate comprehensive studies on the product’s human health and environmental impact, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must review those studies to determine that the product meets legal standards. Continue here to learn more.