CM Oct'09 64+4pp 19/10/09 13:05 Page 26
Washroom Hygiene
Lifting the lid on superbugs
Pathogen-killing toilet seats can provide an effective defence against the spread of
infection in public buildings. Andy Fawcett, product manager for CME Sanitary
Systems, explains
T
he number of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics is causing Polygiene versus pathogens
concern among building owners and operators, especially in As a provider of toilet seats to the public and private sector, and
the health sector. Many of these ‘superbugs’, along with viruses, recognising this growing problem, we recently introduced polygiene
are spread by human touch and can live on hard surfaces for several into our Celmac toilet seats range. Polygiene is a modified thermoset
days. The importance of regular and thorough hand washing is material, which incorporates antibacterial and anti-viral properties.
therefore vital in order to minimise the risk of transmittance. The pathogen-killing properties prevent bacteria from being
However, some of the most significant advancements have been in transferred from one person to the next, for example, via a toilet seat.
the development of innovative The material does this by using
new materials, many of which antimicrobial technology which employs
are focused on reducing the ionic silver to inhibit the growth of micro
spread of infections in the organisms, before they are allowed to
washroom. multiply.
One of the most prevalent Since being launched, polygiene has
and feared of the ‘super-bugs’ been much in demand, especially in
is MRSA, due to the severity of relation to the on-going concern about the
the illness it can cause. What increasing numbers of Swine Flu outbreaks.
makes it so dangerous is that, This strain of the influenza virus has been
unlike other diseases, such as found to be able to live on hard surfaces for
SARS and E-Coli, it has up to 24 hours and on soft surfaces for 20
become resistant to certain minutes. During any 24 hour period,
antibiotics. One reason for this hundreds of people could become infected
is patients not finishing a full by visiting a WC facility, but a polygiene
course of prescribed toilet seat can prevent this bacteria
antibiotics, which means that surviving.
surviving bacteria can Celmac toilet seats are designed to meet
develop a resistance and then the aesthetic of a modern washroom while
multiply. withstanding the rigors of high traffic areas,
Public toilets and reducing maintenance and the need for
washroom facilities are key replacements.
areas where the spread of harmful viruses and bacteria can take As cleanliness in the health sector continues to be under the
place, because of the number of people that use them regularly. Also spotlight, it is vital that those who are responsible for cleanliness in
in a hospital, MRSA bacteria can be found living on the surface of a buildings, such as hospitals, take every precaution possible to address
patient’s skin for some time without them realising. The bacteria can the spread of infections.
live on the body for weeks without the person showing any physical This is where products such as anti-viral toilet seats come into their
symptoms and can then be spread by the infected person touching a own as an important part of
42609 or
cleaning-matters.co.uk/enquiry
contaminated surface. fighting this ongoing battle.
Tel: 0844 412 2029
ENTER
41985
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