User:ImperfectlyInformed/Microban

Microban is a chemical process created by Microban International, Inc. for antimicrobial product protection. The process involves the addition of antimicrobial additives to synthetic fibers or plastics in order to make the final product intrinsically antimicrobial.

Added to products during the manufacturing process, Microban inhibits the growth of microbes, such as bacteria, mold and mildew.

The broad application of the Microban product in everything from cutting boards to flooring, along with its long life in the product and hence the environment, has raised some concerns about the long term effects of its promiscuous use.

Some of the areas of concern include:


 * development of resistant organisms
 * possible carcinogenic properties
 * suspected conversion by sunlight into dioxin
 * production of chloroform in contact with water