Antimicrobial coatings are increasingly being used in restoration projects to prevent mold and bacterial growth in remediated structures, but the science on their efficacy and safety is more nuanced than marketing materials often suggest.
Antimicrobial coatings work by incorporating biocidal substances into a coating that is applied to building surfaces. The biocidal substances are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms including mold, bacteria, and other pathogens.
The efficacy of antimicrobial coatings in preventing mold growth depends on several factors, including the type and concentration of the biocidal substance, the porosity of the substrate, and the moisture conditions in the treated area. Coatings are not a substitute for addressing the underlying moisture problem that caused mold growth.
The EPA regulates antimicrobial coatings as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Restoration contractors who use antimicrobial coatings must ensure that the products they use are EPA-registered and that they follow the label directions.
Industry organizations have developed guidance on the appropriate use of antimicrobial coatings in restoration work, emphasizing that coatings should be used as a complement to, not a substitute for, thorough physical remediation of mold-contaminated materials.
