FASHION SCHOOLS
A-Shield FAQ
Is A-Shield accredited and lab-tested?
Yes. A-Shield uses technology by Aegis, a US company that has developed this technology more than twenty years ago. This solution has been extensively tested by Singapore and international laboratories. The solution is accredited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
What are Microbes?
Microbes are tiny living things that are found all around us and are too small to be seen by the naked eye. They live in water, soil, and in the air. Some microbes make us sick, others are important for our health. Microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.
What is antimicrobial?
An antimicrobial is a substance that inhibits or stops the growth of all micro-organisms or destroys them.
How do antimicrobial coatings work?
Antimicrobial coatings work by preventing microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) from adhering to a surface and destroying the microorganisms they come into contact with. With resistant bacteria on the rise, antimicrobial coating is one way to protect ourselves and others against the threat of infection and illness.
Why should I use A-Shield instead of other traditional disinfection methods?
Traditional disinfection solutions are made for short term efficacy which require daily top up. A-Shield anti-microbial is a proven solution that is formulated to provide lasting protection for textile substrates and hard surfaces. Regular laundry of treated textile products or daily cleaning of treated surfaces will not erode the efficacy of the solution.
What do I need to do prior to applying the treatment?
A-Shield should be applied to clean, dry surfaces for optimal efficacy. For textile products like masks, wash the mask with detergent and water first, air dry it before applying A-Shield. For other surfaces, wipe down the surface with soap and water. Allow the surface to dry before treating with A-Shield.
What is the difference between A-Shield anti-microbial protection and other anti-microbial solutions in the market?
‘A- Shield Anti-Microbial’ destroys pathogenic micro-organisms on contact as a result of the resonance technology used in the solution.
How safe is A-Shield Anti-microbial solution?
The main ingredient in A-Shield is the Quaternary Ammonia Silane (QAS), which is a non-toxic molecule. Many research papers have proven the efficacy of QAS as an anti-microbial agent (Daood, U., Matinlinna, J.P., Pichika, M.R. et al. A quaternary ammonium silane antimicrobial triggers bacterial membrane and biofilm destruction. Sci Rep 10, 10970 (2020)). This solution is safe for the environment as it is non-leaching and it is safe for humans and pets.
How long does ‘A-Shield Anti-microbial solution’ last?
Because of its physical rather than chemical nature, A-Shield destroys 99.99% of micro-organisms immediately on contact. For treated textile products like masks or clothing, we suggest that you treat the products once every two weeks. For hard surfaces, area can be re-treated once every month.
Can the coating be removed with household soap and water scrubbing?
The Silane structure used in A-Shield bonds permanently with any substrate through hydrolysis reaction. In fact, regular cleaning with soap and water enhances the microbial killing power and longevity of the coating. As it destroys microbes immediately on physical contact, if the surface is left uncleaned for prolonged periods the dead microorganisms begin to clog and degrade the efficacy of the surface.