Health & Hygiene Limited, innovation leader in infection prevention solutions, is pleased to announce next leap forward in safety and protection. Protector Facemasks were tested by the Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP. The tests were carried out using Coronavirus strain MHV-3 genus Betacoronavirus (same family and genus as SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2/COVID19 and MERS) and cell line L929 NCTC clone 929 [L cell, L-929, derivative of Strain L] (ATCC® CCL-1™).
The tests were conducted according to ISO 18184-2019. Protector Antimicrobial Face Mask showed 99.99% of viral inhibition for Coronavirus group and did not show cytotoxic activity towards host cells. It achieved an efficacy of 99% in just 30 minutes.
Health & Hygiene experts understood the complexities of microbes and developed latest & innovative technologies to develop Antimicrobial Facemasks. These facemasks are capable of inactivating viruses and kills bacteria & fungi upon contact, minimizing the chances of cross-contamination. In these times of coronavirus pandemic, it is very important to reduce the rate of viral transmission. Facemasks are extensively tested and conforms to the International standards ISO 22196, ISO 20743:2013 and ISO 13629-2:2014 for Antibacterial and Antifungal performance. Protector face masks meet the requirements of ASTM F 2100 Level 3 & EN 14683 Type IIR. Protector Facemasks are now compliant to all the following standards:
| Standard | Parameter/ Pathogen Tested | Results |
| ISO 18184/ 2019-06-25 (Antiviral) | Beta coronavirus | 30 min: 99%inhibition 1 hour: 99% inhibition 2 hours: 99% inhibition 8 hours: 99.9% inhibition 24 hours: 99.99% inhibition |
| ASTM F 2100 Level 3 | Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) Differential Pressure Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) Splash Resistance @ 160mmHg Flammability | >99% Pass >99% Pass Class 1 Pass |
| EN 14683 Type IIR | Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) Differential Pressure Microbial Cleanliness Splash resistance @ 120mmHg | >99% Pass Pass Pass |
| ISO 20743: 2013 (Antibacterial) | S. aureus E. coli | >99.99% >99.99% |
| ISO 13629-2:2014 (Antifungal) | Aspergillus niger Candida albicans | >99.98% >99% |
Mr. Amir Younus, Executive Director of Health & Hygiene Ltd, said: “COVID-19 has changed the world. Nowadays, people are looking for additional protection for themselves and their families. Health & Hygiene realized need of the hour & achieved an additional milestone by authenticating the highest efficacy of technology against this deadly virus. We aim to provide high performance products with pioneering technologies for protection of billions of people. Traditional methods are not enough to provide round the clock protection. Fight against evolving strains of viruses and bacteria has been tricky and demands technological evolution. Our products are meant to act as your Protector in this fight.”
Protector facemasks not only filter like traditional facemasks but also inactivates the viruses that comes in contact with its surface to avoid any cross-contamination and provide an extra level of protection to the users. It also kills bacteria, fungi and other microbes upon contact.
It was concluded that, “The samples “Protector Antimicrobial Face Mask” showed until 99.99% of viral inhibition for Coronavirus group and did not show cytotoxic activity towards host cells.” These excellent results are a great achievement and technology can play a vital role in global infection prevention and safety.
Protector® antimicrobial products / solutions include:
1. Antimicrobial Disposable PPE
– Face masks
– Surgeon gowns, Isolation gowns
– Gloves
– Caps
– Shoe covers
– Bedcovers
– Waste Bags
2. Antimicrobial Personal care
– Toothbrushes
3. Antimicrobial Surfaces treatments
– Wall Paints
– Surface coatings for receptions, cash counters, lifts, ATM machines, racks, door knobs/handles, table tops, escalator railings etc.
4. Antimicrobial Building infrastructure, Fixtures & Durables
– Waste bins
– Curtains
– Water distributions pipes
– Leather products
– Floorings
– HVAC Systems
5. Antimicrobial Packaging solutions
– Flexible packaging i.e. cling wrap
– Rigid packaging
Products effectively kills:
✓ Viruses ✓ Bacteria ✓ Fungi ✓ Mildew ✓ Yeast ✓Algae ✓ Mould
These products conform to ISO 22196, ASTM E 2180, JIS Z 2801 and ASTM D 5589-09 for its antimicrobial performance and proved 99.99% efficacy against a number of bacteria and microorganisms. They are completely safe to use and the materials are in compliance with US and EU regulations.
