Antimicrobials, also known as biocides, have many uses in our everyday life. They serve as material preservatives in key consumer products, contributing to environmental sustainability by helping to prevent decay, deterioration, and spoilage associated with microbial growth. These uses and more are the topic of a new video, “A Day Without Antimicrobials,” produced by the Center for Biocide Chemistries of the American Chemistry Council.
The video was created for Good Chemistry Lives Here, a public-facing resource for U.S. consumers, industry professionals, and regulators to learn more about the benefits and uses of antimicrobial pesticides (also known as biocides). It demonstrates how these chemistries are used in every aspect of our everyday lives:
Increasing Access to Clean Drinking Water
It is safe to drink water from your faucet because antimicrobial treatments help eliminate harmful pathogens such as E. coli and Legionella. In fact, thanks to the help of antimicrobials, we’ve virtually eliminated waterborne diseases like typhoid fever and cholera. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 286 million Americans’ tap water comes from a community water system. Water that is not properly treated can contain harmful microbes and contaminants from multiple sources, increasing the risk for illness. Antimicrobial use in water treatment helps eliminate these germs and keep water safe for everyday use.
Reducing The Spread of Germs and Disease
Most of us enter public spaces including schools and offices every day. In fact, your daily commute to the office may take place via a bus, rideshare, subway, or train. These public spaces mean shared surfaces and more exposure to germs.
Powered by antimicrobials, disinfectants are used in public spaces to help us minimize the risk of infections and ensure a higher standard of public health.
Antimicrobials serve as an essential component in disinfectant sprays and wipes that are effective against common viruses, like the influenza virus, rhinovirus (common cold), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis viruses, and various strains of coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19). Disinfectants are also used to prevent and control infections caused by pathogenic bacteria such as staphylococcal infections, streptococcal infections, E. coli, and Salmonella.
Increasing the Life of Products
Everyday household products such as detergents, paints, and cleaners often expire after a certain amount of time. Many of the products we use every day have water in them, requiring a preservative to help prevent contamination from waterborne bacteria.
If not for antimicrobial preservatives, your daily products such as laundry detergent would need to be stored in the refrigerator or else you’d be replacing them every few days. Antimicrobial preservatives help stop spoilage by preventing the growth of bacteria and microbes, making these items last longer too.
Antimicrobials in athletic clothing are additives or treatments designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms on the fabric. Antimicrobial treatments help inhibit bacterial growth, reducing the likelihood of odor development. This helps keep athletes dry by drawing sweat away from the skin and promoting evaporation, which can further reduce bacterial growth and odor. Antimicrobial treatments can prolong the life of athletic clothing by preventing the degradation of fabric due to microbial activity. This can be especially beneficial for high-performance sportswear that undergoes frequent and rigorous use.
By helping the products you purchase last longer, antimicrobials not only help save your money, but also contribute to the sustainability of our planet’s precious resources.
A Day Without Antimicrobials
As our new video demonstrates, antimicrobials play an important role in our daily lives. For most of us, it is hard to imagine not being able to safely take a sip of water, do laundry, or exercise without worry. Thankfully, as long as we have the help of antimicrobials, we can feel safe as these microbe fighters are working hard to combat harmful microorganisms and maintain a healthier, safer world.
The video above joins a group of resources available on Good Chemistry Lives Here.
