Antimicrobial Testing for Building and Construction Materials

The materials represented by the Building and Construction category is one of the most diverse. Because of the nature of environment in which these materials are used, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae are all commonly seen and costly.

Although the industry strives to achieve a balance between prevention of the microbial growth and environmental safety, the durability and application environments are increasingly challenged with the need to balance product materials from sustainable resources.

'Green products' or raw materials from sustainable sources are often naturally biodegradable, AKA readily consumed as a food source by microorganisms.

Depending on the environment, bacteria, fungi or algae can readily grow on, in, and around these materials leading to both cosmetic and mechanical issues, and potential impact to human health.

Effective microbial resistant product can be made by the effective use of appropriate antimicrobial additives and construction practices.

Examples of appropriate testing of these materials includes:

ASTM G21 and ASTM D3273 for fungi in plastics, coatings, dry wall, siding, and flooring and roofing.

ASTM G29 and ASTM D5589 for algae testing of cleaners, and exterior coating and paints, siding, roofing, textiles and other materials.

AATCC 100 or AATCC 30 for textiles, canvas, covers, tarps and awnings

Other ASTM, ISO, and JIS test methods can be used in combination with durability assessment to better develop these materials for safe and effective antimicrobial performance.

A range of product materials need antimicrobial products to provide effective performance in the harsh conditions often experienced by building materials, such as woods, caulks, coating, dry wall, insulation and any material frequently exposed to humid or wet environments.

All of these material can be safely and effectively treated with an appropriate antifungal or antialgal product to provide the needed antimicrobial durability.