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The secret of silver — nature’s antimicrobial.
Agion® silver ion technology: The next generation of clean and beautiful.
Silver ion technology is a revolutionary antimicrobial solution from Agion
Technologies, Inc., a leader in providing safe, natural antimicrobial solutions
using silver to minimize the impact of destructive bacteria, mold, mildew and
other microorganisms. Silver is a naturally occurring element that has been
doctors
Now available in PVC-free, high-performance upholstery, this product is not only
no bromine, no placticizers, no PVC. Who says performance can’t be “green”?
The science behind clean.
Traditional antimicrobial-treated performance fabrics and vinyls can lose their
some antimicrobial treatments may use synthetic chemicals or volatile substances
which can be potentially toxic and dangerous at inappropriate levels. Conversely,
surface materials with Agion active antimicrobial technology built in, safely and
continuously resist microbes and bacteria on the protected surface of the
upholstery for the life of your furniture. How it works:
Silver is embedded within micron-sized carriers called zeolite and then encapsulated into the durable, soft, polyurethane surface of these fabrics.
Moisture in the air (ambient moisture) or direct contact with moisture (like a
sneeze or human contact) activates the release of silver ions to the surface
at a slow and steady rate.
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The silver continuously combats microbes in three ways: disrupts cell metabolism; inhibits respiration; and inhibits cell division (reproduction). This
“tri-modal” action is what makes Agion a broad-spectrum antimicrobial—
These fabrics are exceptionally durable — exceeding 400,000 double rubs in
Wyzenbeek testing — and are easy to clean and maintain. For details and samples,
visit cfstinson.com, or call 1.800.841.6279 today.
Wink
with Agion?
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Technical information.
Activation
and durable. This breakthrough in technology incorporates silver ions in a zeolite carrier.
The silver ions exchange with other positive ions (often sodium) from the moisture in the
carriers provide a three-dimensional release mechanism (shown below) that provides
silver ions independent of particle orientation in the upholstery.
The patented multi-faceted
zeolite crystal carrier
Silver is a powerful antimicrobial metal ion.
The diagram shows the exchange process.
The ion exchange process
Zeolite crystals containing silver ions
are randomly oriented and distributed
throughout the surface of the upholstery.
In conditions that support bacterial
growth, positive ions, in ambient moisture,
exchange with silver ions on the zeolite.
The exchanged silver ions are now
available to control microbial growth.
Tri-Modal Efficacy
Agion antimicrobial attacks multiple targets in the microbe to prevent it from growing
to a destructive population. This tri-modal action combats cell growth in three ways:
Inhibits transport functions in the cell wall (respiration)
Inhibits cell division (reproduction)
Interrupts cell metabolism
For details and samples, visit cfstinson.com, or call 1.800.841.6279 today.
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(Kr)4d105s
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Frequently asked questions.
Q: What is Agion®?
A: Agion (silver ion) is a patented, long-lasting, safe, broad-spectrum antimicrobial technology
that actively targets microorganisms and bacteria on the protected surface of the upholstery. If
Agion is on the product, millions of bacteria aren’t.
Q: How does Agion antimicrobial technology work?
A:
form. Agion
patented antimicrobial is “built in” to the upholstery and becomes an integral part of the material,
unlike less permanent antimicrobial treatments. Upon contact with moisture (ambient moisture,
a sneeze, human contact, etc.), silver ions are activated and released at a slow and steady rate to
provide continuous, long-lasting protection against damaging bacteria and odor-causing mold,
as well as many other microbes.
Q: Why is antimicrobial protection important?
A: We live in a dirty world. More and more people are becoming conscious of bacteria in their
daily lives. Antimicrobials are used to control the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew, which
lead to dirty, unclean surfaces. Using surface materials with antimicrobial protection helps keep
your furniture odor-free and clean. Surface materials with Agion “built in” can, in a sense, be
considered “self-cleaning,” as they inhibit microbial growth around the clock, day in and day out.
Q: Many performance upholstery products and vinyls claim they are antimicrobial; why are
A: Antimicrobials do not all work the same. The vast majority of antimicrobials work by “leaching,”
or moving from the surface on which they are applied. Leaching antimicrobial technology can
leave the surface and, in so doing, leave it unprotected against microorganisms. In addition,
antimicrobials that leach from the upholstery material are carried into the environment and are
often toxic. Traditional antimicrobial-treated performance fabrics and vinyls can lose their antimiwith
Agion antimicrobial technology “built in” safely and continuously resist microbes and bacteria on
the protected surface of the upholstery for the life of your furniture.
Q: Is Agion™ antimicrobial technology safe?
A: The United States Environmental Protection Agency and regulatory agencies around the world
product can be sold. Agion antimicrobials (as an additive) are EPA-registered for a broad range of
uses, including food and water contact. In addition, they are FDA-listed. This technology is used
today in consumer, industrial and
unsurpassed
safety, EPA registration and FDA listing, making Agion a compelling choice for people concerned
with bacteria and microorganisms in or on their products.
Frequently
Frequently asked
asked questions.
questions
Q: These products are “PVC-free.” Why is that important?
A: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) contains many additives that, when disposed of by incineration or
and the environment. These revolutionary new upholstery fabrics are not only high in performance,
Q: These products are “plasticizer-free.” Why is that important?
A: Plasticizers are used typically in PVC (vinyl) products to soften the “hand” and increase the
“pliability” of the product. Plasticizers can leach out of the product over time. Some plasticizers
are considered to be toxic and therefore potentially dangerous. These products do not contain
plasticizers, yet remain soft, pliable and actually increase the comfort of your furniture.
Q: Isn’t silver a “heavy metal” and therefore potentially harmful to the environment?
A: The term “heavy metal” is often misused. Silver is most commonly referred to as a “soft” metal
with low toxicity. It is important to note that Agion’s silver zeolite contains ionic silver, not metallic
silver, that is safely encapsulated in non-toxic zeolite crystals that are “built in” to the upholstery
and do not leach out into the environment. Actually, Agion is less toxic than table salt.
Q:
A:
toxic and/or bio-accumulative. Bio-accumulating chemicals don’t break down easily and potentially
Q: Do these fabrics include moisture-barrier protection like other available performance
fabrics, and why is that important?
A:
pass through into the furniture’s underpadding. This is important where furniture is exposed to
spills or incontinence.
Q: Are these fabrics cleanable and easy to maintain?
A: Yes. Most stains can be removed easily with mild soap and water. It is always recommended to
to remove.
Q: How quickly does Agion antimicrobial “activate” and go to work protecting the surface
of the upholstery from bacteria and microbes?
A: Depending on the microorganism, Agion’s antimicrobial technology has been shown to initially
reduce microbial population within minutes to hours, while maintaining optimal performance for years.
Q:
A: Both Agion and nano silver-type antimicrobials use silver to help control the growth of bacteria.
However, in the area of safety recognition, it is important to note that Agion antimicrobials are
EPA-registered for a broad range of uses, including food and water contact. In addition, they are
FDA-listed. Agion Technologies, Inc. uses patented technology and is uniquely committed to
providing naturally safe antimicrobial solutions.