Coil Coating Helps Medical And Food Industries Stay Healthy

By Jim Dockey, National Coil Coating Association

Medical facilities and food preparation sites are ideal environments for disease causing microorganisms to flourish. Controlling the spread of potentially dangerous microbes in these facilities has become a top priority.

More than ever, specialized antimicrobial coatings used in the coil coating industry are working behind the scenes in medical buildings and food processing sites to help protect the health of employees, patients and consumers.

A wide variety of products used in the medical and food industries can now be manufactured with precoated antimicrobial agents designed to kill 99 percent of the known bacteria commonly encountered on examination tables, medical carts, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, sinks, door hardware, ceiling panels, counter tops, HVAC components and more. When combined with proper temperature and humidity controls, the bacteria fighting antimicrobial coatings, applied to the metal prior to manufacturing, inhibit the growth of disease causing bacteria, molds, mildews, fungi and other virulent strains of antibiotic resistant organisms.

Coil coating offers manufacturers, and their customers, enhanced antimicrobial capabilities because the coating is applied evenly to normally inaccessible areas, including the interiors of HVAC components. The coatings can also be applied to both sides of the substrate, providing superior protection throughout the normal service life of the product.

Coil coated metal, using antimicrobial coatings specifically designed for the medical and food industries, provides a cost-effective method to create a safer environment, while increasing productivity during the manufacturing process.

For additional information about specialized coatings such as antimicrobial, non-skid, fingerprint resistant, reflective, anti- graffiti, anti-static, and more, visit www.coilcoatinginstitute.org, or contact the National Coil Coating Association at ncca@coilcoating.org or 216-241-7333.

Jim Dockey is Director - CENTRIA Coating Services, and president of the National Coil Coating Association.

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