Mold Shield's cutting edge Nanotechnology is a permanent, surface modifying treatment, that once applied, modifies the surface, creating a new surface, a surface that is permanently resistant to microbial attack.

Unlike all other conventional antimicrobials, our technology does not off-gas, leach, diffuse, migrate, volatilize or otherwise leave the surface to which they have been applied. The result is an extraordinary safety and efficacy profile, unmatched by other products.

Antimicrobials can be divided into two major categories: bound and unbound. These terms refer to whether or not the antimicrobial has the capacity to molecularly bond to the surface on which it is applied.

An unbound antimicrobial has the greater potential for safety concerns because it must diffuse or leach from the treated surface and be consumed by the microorganism to be effective. Most conventional antimicrobials are intended to act quickly and dissipate quickly to minimize the danger to humans, animals and treated objects. Others use the time release capsule approach and obtain a longer working life by burying the antimicrobial in a paint, glue, binder or other coating and counting on slow migration to the surface. Conventional antimicrobials, even those applied in a carrier, must diffuse (wash off) and create a "zone of inhibition" in order to function properly.

Once inside the organism, the chemical agent will act like a poison, interrupting some key metabolic or life sustaining process of the cell and causing it to die. Once the antimicrobial is depleted or washed away during regular maintenance, protection vanishes. After application, an unbound antimicrobial continues to diffuse or leach from the treated surface. As this diffusion continues, the concentration of the active build up a tolerance to these particular antimicrobials. Highly resistant strains can develop which are immune to what was once an effective dose. Just such a phenomenon (genetic adaptation) is of special concern to the health care industry which has observed the development of more potent strains of disease-causing organisms which are highly resistant to conventional antibiotics.

A bound antimicrobial agent, like the EPA Registered antimicrobial in Mold Shield's remains chemically attached to the surface on which it is applied. It functions by interrupting the organism's delicate cell membrane. This prevents micro-organisms from carrying on vital life processes. This antimicrobial acts on contact with organisms and can do so again and again. One can think of the bound antimicrobial like a sword which is capable of repeated use.

In comparison, a conventional antimicrobial treatment is more like a gun with limited ammunition. Since a bound antimicrobial is fixed to the surface, it continually operates at full strength. This means the genetic adaptation process, which is an inherent problem with conventional antimicrobials, cannot and does not occur with a bound antimicrobial.

Mold FAQ's

• Why should I use FOGLIA products?
• How does the antimicrobial in FOGLIA
  products work?
• What is the purpose of the silane
  portion of the molecule?
• Are FOGLIA products safe for people
  and the environment?
• What is the difference between the FOGLIA and other antimicrobials on the market?
• Is Mold Shield permeable to moisture?
• Does Mold Shield off gas during or after application?
• How long does the Mold Shield treatment last?
• Is there re-growth after treatment?
• What preparation is necessary prior to applying the product?
• How should a contaminated surface be treated?
• Will Mold Shield affect the finished interior of the structure?

Mold Shield's Nanotechnology has proven history of safe and effective use, is non-poisonous, non-heavy metal based and guaranteed to prevent the growth mold, bacteria, mildew, algae and fungus on the coating surface. If you own a home, building, office, have school children, have asthma, have allergies or a weakened immune system, you are affected by microbes everyday. Every object that you touch has substantial microbe infestation, that is a Fact!

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How does the antimicrobial in Mold Shield products work?

The EPA Registered active ingredient in FOGLIA's Nanotechnology forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged co-polymer nanocoating on the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the nano-coated treated surface, the quaternary amine sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, FOGLIA doesn't lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it. Note that in order for the FOGLIA to continue their effectiveness, normal cleaning of treated surfaces is necessary. Dirt buildup, paint, dead microbes, etc. will cover the treatment prohibiting it from inhibiting microorganisms growth.

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What is the purpose of the silane portion of the molecule?

Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents, which can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface. This process modifies surface properties of building materials and transforms them to a material that will not support microbial growth.

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Are Mold Shield products safe for people and the environment?

Our Nanotechnology has been used safely by many fortune 500 type companies like Nike, Reebok, New Balance, Rockport, Brillo Pads, Franklin Sports, and used in: air filters, hospital drapes, hospital clothing, wound dressings, socks, baby mattresses, baby diapers and thousands of other products.

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What is the difference between the Mold Shield and
other antimicrobials on the market?

Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly to avoid adverse effects to humans and animals due to their toxic ingredients. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating building surfaces do a great job of getting a quick kill on bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited spectrum of effectiveness. The heavy metal based antimicrobials on the market leach into the environment and lose their effectiveness over time. Mold Shield's Antimicrobial take a totally unique approach. They provide an effective initial microbial kill when applied, like the conventional methods, but also provide long-term control of growth on treated surfaces for the life of that surface. The surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobial active.

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Is Mold Shield permeable to moisture?

Yes, moisture that is in or on the treated material or surface passes through the treatment. After curing, the treatment is somewhat hydrophobic (water repellent), but it should not be considered a replacement for commercial water repellents.

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Does Mold Shield off gas during or after application?

No. It does not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces or into the environment. Their chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that lasts for the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning will not remove the treatment, although it can be abraded away with heavy abrasion.

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How long does the Mold Shield treatment last?

Since the cured antimicrobial in Mold Shield's Nanotechnology is volatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. The life of a treated surface depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. If you treat a dirty or unstable surface, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial will decrease. Abrasive or caustic (pH>10.5) cleaners will also shorten effective life.

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Is there re-growth after treatment?

Mold Shield's antimicrobial nanotechnology, because of its unique chemistry, provides long-term surface protection on the invisible coating against re-growth and future contamination. Porous surfaces, which are contaminated below the surface, will occasionally experience some growth, which may break through a treated surface if the surface was not cleaned properly before treatment.

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What preparation is necessary prior to applying the product?

Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned prior to treatment. Moldy contaminated surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and any residue from cleaning agents must be rinsed from the surfaces to be treated.

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How should a contaminated surface be treated?

Microbes can be extremely hazardous. Severe contamination with hazardous organisms may require cleaning protocols similar to those for asbestos removal. For normal contamination, solid surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned before treatment. Soft surfaces such as carpets and upholstery should be well vacuumed or professionally cleaned. Insulation can be cleaned and treated if only superficial growth on the surface is present. Insulation that has heavy growth or is damp should be removed and replaced.

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Will Mold Shield affect the finished interior of the structure?

Yes, they change all surfaces they are applied to, creating an invisible layer of protection on the coating surface that prevents mold, fungus, bacteria, mildew and algae from growing. Since the product is applied by a unique fogging application, it can be applied to most surfaces that are not affected by minor contact with moisture. You should protect silks, rayon, original paintings and unplug any electronics prior to application. Carpets and flooring should be allowed to dry before walking on the surface. Windows should be thoroughly cleaned prior to treatment.

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ABOUT FOGLIA

Mold Shield's Nanotechnology has a proven history of safe and effective use, is non-poisonous, non-heavy metal based and guaranteed to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, mildew, algae and fungus on the coating surface. If you own a home, building, office, have school children, have asthma, have allergies or a weakened immune system, you are affected by microbes everyday. Every object that you touch has substantial microbe infestation, that is a Fact!

Mold Shield's antimicrobial nanotechnology, because of its unique chemistry, provides long-term surface protection on the invisible coating against re-growth and future contamination. Porous surfaces, which are contaminated below the surface, will occasionally experience some growth, which may break through a treated surface if the surface was not cleaned properly before treatment.