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Ensure articles treated with, or containing, antimicrobial pesticides intended to protect or preserve the article itself comply with EPA regulations. Successfully navigate complex antimicrobial regulations, including the EPA treated article exemption, with the support of Element’s consultative regulatory and scientific experts.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not require registration of treated articles if the active substance is registered for use in or on the article and the sole purpose is to protect the article, not the person using the product. However, the EPA requires certain labeling of these articles to ensure the public is not misled by false claims. Furthermore, efficacy data must be generated to support these non-public health claims. Element offers virucidal testing of treated fabrics, as well as antiviral activity and efficacy testing of treated hard surfaces. We have decades of experience testing to established methods and developing custom protocols. If the method you are interested in is not detailed here, start the conversation to find out how we can meet your needs.

Treated fabric testing

Virucidal Efficacy of a Treated Fabric – Element tests treated fabrics to TM 100/AATCC 100 Assessment of Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials Modified for Virucidal Efficacy. In this method, treated test and untreated control samples are inoculated with a test virus. The test virus is exposed to the test material at the requested exposure temperature for the requested exposure time. Following exposure, samples are neutralized, serially diluted, and the dilutions are assayed for viral infectivity by an assay method specific for the test virus.

Appropriate virus, test substance cytotoxicity, and neutralization controls are run concurrently. The percent and log reduction in viral infectivity are calculated as compared to the corresponding virus control. Please note no regulated reduction limits currently exist for general antiviral claims made using this method.

ISO 18184 "Textiles-Determination of Antiviral Activity of Textile Products" - Element tests textile products, including woven and knitted fabrics, fibers, yarns, braids, etc. to evaluate the antiviral performance of antiviral textile products against viruses. The Element testing protocol is based on and has been modified for testing with Å·ÃÀÊìÅ®ÂÒÂ× Eagan cell culture and virus growth procedures as well as testing against additional viruses.

For this method, for an antiviral textile product to demonstrate a good effect, the required log reduction is ≥ 2.0 but < 3.0; in order to demonstrate an excellent effect, the required log reduction is > 3.0.

Treated surface testing

Test for Antiviral Activity and Efficacy – Element tests treated surfaces for antiviral activity and efficacy using a modification of JIS Z 2801/ ISO 21702. In this method, an aliquot of test virus is placed on the surface of each test and control material and the materials are covered with a carrier film. Following the Sponsor requested exposure time, carriers are neutralized and scraped and the test medium/virus mixture is collected. Serial 10-fold dilutions are performed and the dilutions are assayed for viral infectivity by an accepted method. Appropriate virus, test substance cytotoxicity, and neutralization controls are run concurrently.

Please note this protocol is based on the test method principles of JIS Z 2801 and ISO 21702. While the two methods capture different controls for the test, the basic principles are the same.

Custom protocols for treated article testing

With decades of experience testing treated articles, our responsive and knowledgeable team can work with you to develop custom protocols to meet your treated article testing needs. Likewise, our team stands ready to assist you in navigating the regulations for treated articles, determining the best path forward to ensure your products remain compliant with regulations and standards.

The Element advantage 

Leading developers, manufacturers, and marketers of treated articles partner with Element for testing to established methods, as well as for customized protocols tailored to meet their specific needs. Successfully navigate the complex antimicrobial regulatory landscape with the support of our team of consultative, experienced scientists.

For more information about Element’s virucidal treated article testing or about other available methods not listed here, contact us today.