Why Antimicrobial Paint for Businesses is Surging in Vancouver, WA

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, elderly people are particularly vulnerable to the virus and other illnesses. Elders generally have a much weaker immune system than younger people. Being immunocompromised during a pandemic is worrisome. Even simple infections and diseases can be dangerous and life-threatening for older people.

Throughout the pandemic, people have been advised to social distance, wear masks, and only gather in small groups outdoors. If people follow these guidelines, there is a lower chance of spreading COVID-19 and other sicknesses. However, many elderly people spend the vast majority of their time inside. This can be hazardous because there is a higher risk of transmitting harmful bacteria or viruses indoors.

Wind and airflow outdoors mean pathogens are more diluted and there is less chance of infection. When sick people are inside, these particles can flow through the HVAC system and circulate through the building much easier. This causes a higher percentage of the population in close living quarters to fall ill.

The phenomenon “sick building syndrome” occurs when people become sick due to poor indoor air quality inside a building. When people are exposed to harmful pathogens inside, they may feel unwell during their time indoors but could feel better once they leave.

Senior living centers are fundamentally important to keep seniors active, social, and comfortable. The goal is also to keep the elderly safe, but this is not always the case if someone within the facility is sick and contagious. Unfortunately, many elderly people in living centers do not have the ability to leave if sick building syndrome impacts the building. Since this group is already more vulnerable, these adverse effects due to toxic airborne particles are much more concerning.

To counteract sick building syndrome and generally slow the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, many assisted living facilities are turning to commercial painters to add microbicidal coatings. This type of paint is useful in minimizing the concentrations of pathogens in these compact living spaces. Additionally, microbicidal paints actively counteract bacteria on surfaces such as doors, counters, and walls. These locations are common places someone might encounter a harmful pathogen.

These coatings have the potential to make senior care centers much safer for residents by hindering the transmission of dangerous and potentially fatal diseases. It is very important to consider the health of elderly residents the next time you are deciding to paint the facility.

Paint Shield is currently the major and leading brand name microbicidal coating on the market. The product hit shelves in 2015 and became popular among assisted living centers across the United States. This is due to the potential that Paint Shield has to keep the elderly residents healthy and safe. Especially in facilities where residents are chronically ill, microbicidal coatings could be effective in reducing the risk of further health-related complications.

Many managers at nursing homes and medical facilities decided to employ the help of commercial painting contractors to paint the walls and other surfaces with these coatings in an effort to protect the residents.

To become the leading antimicrobial coating, the product had to undergo rigorous laboratory examination and demonstrate its efficacy consistently. Paint Shield was able to perform well and eradicate around 99.9% of the bacteria the paint encountered across different surfaces. The paint is extremely hygienic and reduces the risk of cross-contamination. These products can even be useful in preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant types of bacteria.

Some of the most common pathogens that Paint Shield can work against are staph, MRSA, Enterobacter aerogenes, VRE, and E.coli.

Paint Shield does take some time to become effective, around two hours. However, after application, Paint Shield can maintain antimicrobial for years without constant reapplication. This is contingent upon the surface keeping its general integrity and the coating may need maintenance after a few years.

The lifetime of these additives is generally longer than traditional paint products as well. Many paint products go bad after exposure to air and become odorous. But, these paint products have a long shelf life and, since these products are resistant to bacteria, they are stable and do not degrade as quickly as other paint types.

In addition to being useful for reducing harm from bacteria and viruses, antimicrobial paint additives can counteract mold and mildew. Both of these can grow anywhere with enough humidity, so many different spaces and surfaces are vulnerable. Mold and mildew can cause adverse human health side effects over time, so reducing growth can be advantageous to prevent any resident from falling ill. Places like bathrooms may have much more growth, so it is crucial to consider painting restrooms with microbicidal coatings.

Similarly, people may have allergic reactions to mold or mildew, creating a cascade of other health consequences. By contacting a commercial painter to paint the facility, you can actively work to prevent negative health side effects from mold and mildew growth.

While the goal of employees at senior living centers is to treat and protect the elderly, the staff may be bringing in outside pathogens. Even with sanitary practices and hygienic procedures, it may not be enough. You may want to take additional measures, such as antimicrobial paints, to further protect the residents.

Paint Shield is not limited to one surface or room type, so you can apply this coating to a wide variety of locations throughout the senior living center. Some common locations where Paint Shield has been utilized include food preparation and distribution areas, medicine and treatment locations, and break rooms.

E.coli and staph are very commonly found in areas with large amounts of food. These bacteria can cause residents and staff to become extremely ill with stomach symptoms, such as throwing up and diarrhea. Microbicidal coatings would be able to direct counteract these pathogens, saving residents from these harmful side effects.

Many seniors are on many different medicines and these medications must be stored appropriately. Since elders may have to take these medicines multiple times a day, there is a high chance they might come into contact with a bacteria or virus. By using microbicidal coatings on surfaces in these storage areas, you can slow the spread of these diseases and avoid cross-contamination between medicines.

Lastly, the staff must be protected from these pathogens to prevent spreading illnesses directly to residents. In lounging areas, you could use Paint Shield to keep these resting spaces as cleanly as possible. Antimicrobial coatings can prevent employees from being exposed to pathogens while they relax, take breaks, or eat lunch.

Older people are highly susceptible and at-risk for falling ill, so it is important to take every measure and precaution to protect their health. Paint Shield is a great way to make a senior living center a safer, healthier environment for the residents. These microbicidal coatings actively work against dangerous bacteria and viruses to slow the rate of transmission.

By using antimicrobial paint, you could add an extra layer of protection against pathogens, including COVID-19. If you interested in painting your medical or nursing home facility, reach out to our commercial painters in Vancouver WA. Fresh Look Painting offers commercial painting services and a trained team of professional painters. We can help you paint your facility quickly and effectively to ensure the residents are protected as quickly as possible from these health threats.