AgION™ Antimicrobial Coated Steel AgION™ Antimicrobial Coated ...

AgION Antimicrobial Coated SteelSUPPRESSING THE GROWTH OF MICROBES IN HVAC APPLICATIONS

A Cleaner Future With AgION Antimicrobial CompoundWith increasing public attention focused on concerns aboutbacteria, fungus and mold, consumers and businesses alikeare looking for answers. Researchers have been working todevelop solutions for hospitals, schools, restaurants and evenour homes — and manufacturers have been creating productsbased on their findings.Whether it’s preserving a sterilized environment, protectingfood from contamination, safeguarding equipment, or keepingour classrooms and homes cleaner, the growing demand forantimicrobial products is well-documented. And now, a newtechnology has made possible a whole new approach todeterring the growth of harmful microorganisms.AgION antimicrobial compound is the revolutionarysubstance behind this technology. It’s an inorganiccompound that uses the natural protective qualitiesof silver (Ag) as an active ingredient to inhibitthe growth of microbes. The compound can beincorporated into fibers, fabrics and moldedplastics, or applied as a coating on metals, suchas stainless steel.Multiple ApplicationsAgION antimicrobial-coated steel is being usedsuccessfully in a wide variety of applications, ranging frommedical devices to food processing equipment to HVACproducts. And that’s where Carrier comes in. Antimicrobialcoating technology has exciting potential for HVAC systemsin hospitals, schools and anywhere else bacteria, molds andfungi are a concern.Carrier InnovationsThrough an exclusive agreement, Carrier is now designingHVAC equipment with antimicrobial-coated steel, giving ourcustomers simple and economical access to the protectivebenefits of antimicrobial treated products. Carrier's 39M Aeroair handling unit is now available with the AgION antimicrobialcoating as an integral material in its pre-painted steel innerliner — the inside cabinet surface that’s exposed to theairstream. This material can also be selectedfor our Racan custom air handlers, asa tinted coating applied to theirinside galvanized steel panels.And we look forward to applyingthis new technology to an expandedrange of Carrier products.

Understanding the TechnologyThe Steps to ProtectionThe AgION antimicrobial coating uses the controlledrelease of silver ions to provide continuous suppressionof microbial growth on the product to which it’s applied.Here’s how it works.Silver IonsBacteriaAgION AntimicrobialCompoundThe AgION antimicrobialcompound is blended into a paintsystem, which reside in zeolite’sopen molecular structure.When ambient moisture is present,the zeolite acts as an “ion pump,”slowly releasing silver ions intothe air.When the silver ions come intocontact with bacteria and othermicrobes, their chemical interactiondisrupts electron transfer and respiration,suppressing microbe growth onthe product.As the air becomes more humid (and the morefavorable for microbial growth), more silver isreleased. However, there is a maximum release rate,so even under very wet conditions, the silver ions arereleased slowly, for long-term protection.Coating the SteelThe AgION antimicrobial compound is blendedinto a paint system, which is applied to the steelusing a continuous-roll coil coating process. Thecoating is cured at more than 400˚F, eliminatingVOC (volatile organiccompound) emissions.The compound can beapplied to either carbonor stainless steel, coatedon one or both sides.Carrier’s Aero and Racan air handlers feature AgION antimicrobial-coatedsteel cabinets where it counts the most — in the airstream.Silver Through HistoryThe protective properties of silver havebeen recognized for thousands of years.As early as 4000 BC, Egyptians usedsilver-lined vessels to keep waterpure during long-termstorage. The ancientPhoenicians did thesame for water storedduring sea voyages. In the8th century, the Chinese emperorused silver utensils. And an 11th-centuryVatican decree mandated the use of silverfor communion chalices. More recently,silver has been used in a host of medicalapplications, including:• Silver Nitrate eye drops for newborns• Bandages and salves for burn treatment• Catheters• Heart valve suture rings• External fixation pinsThere are currently more than 58 FDA-approvedsilver-based products.

A Proactive AntimicrobialTechnologyAgION antimicrobial-coated steel inhibits the growth of microbes ontreated products. Carrier has already incorporated this antimicrobialsolution into our Aero and Racan air handlers. And this breakthroughtechnology will enable Carrier, as well as manufacturers in a broadrange of industries, to build more protection than ever before intofuture products.Learn More about AgIONAntimicrobial CoatingsQ: How long does the coating last?A: Salt spray, water soak and humidity testing indicatesthat the antimicrobial benefit will be present forthe life of the coating. Durability and longevitycan vary depending on the specific environmentand wear and tear conditions.Q: Has it been approved for HVAC systems byany regulatory agencies?A: The AgION antimicrobial compound has beenregistered by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) for use in heating, ventilating and airconditioningcomponents.Q: How should consulting and specifyingengineers specify this coating for Carrier39M and Racan air handling units?A: Along with typical steel-specific information,specify “AgION antimicrobial-coated steel.”As the world leader inHeating, Ventilation andAir Conditioning, Carrier iscommitted to continuallyimproving the quality ofcomfort we provide toour customers.But our level of responsibilityextends well beyond...Carrier Corporation hasidentified six specific areaswhich directly impact howwe, as a world manufacturer,balance our customers’ needsfor comfort with the environment’sneeds for responsibleconsumption.These symbols graphicallyrepresent our six areas ofconcentration and will serveas visual reminders of theimportance of managing ourfinite resources.Each one of us at CarrierCorporation believes that, forgenerations to come, successwill not only be measured bythe quality of our productsand systems, but also by howwe have improved thequality of life.Learn more about the benefits of using AgION antimicrobialcoatedsteel by calling 1.800.CARRIER or visit us on the Webat www.carrier.com. And check back often to learn aboutnew Carrier applications for this exciting, evolving technology.©2003 Carrier Corporation 0103 WDBCo 811-10180AgION antimicrobial is a trademark of AgION Technologies, Inc. and isused under license from AgION Technologies, Inc.Manufacturer reserves the right to discontinue,or change at any time, specifications or designswithout notice or without incurring obligations.