Given their inherent toxicity and inability to effectively eliminate or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on porous surfaces, very few antimicrobial products are EPA registered, or approved for use on the majority of the materials and surfaces that fill our homes, businesses and other environments in which we spend our time.

Review the labels on various disinfectants and other antimicrobial products and you’ll see that the majority of them are only approved for use on surfaces the EPA classifies as “Hard, Non-Porous Surfaces,” which include aluminum, stainless steel, other plated metals, glazed porcelain and ceramics, sealed concrete and laminates, and several similar surfaces.

While possibly adequate for kitchen and bathroom flooring, countertops, cabinets and fixtures, such limitations exclude the vast majority of the materials and surfaces that most of us are in contact with far more often, specifically those the EPA classifies as “Soft Surfaces;” which include upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains, headwear, footwear,  all other clothing, mattresses, blankets, other bedding, car interiors, wood, drywall, wallpaper, backpacks, stuffed animals and most other fabric and textile products; “Food Contact Surfaces,” which encompass glassware, dishware, cookware, kitchen equipment, and every other item used to prepare, cook, serve or consume food or beverages; and Everyday Sensitive Surfaces, such as computers, key boards, cell phones, touch-screens and other electronic devices.

Unlike other antimicrobial products, SHIELD is EPA registered, and proven to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and help prevent the growth and spread of bacteria on practically every type of Hard, Soft and Food Contact Surface, in every type of residential, commercial, and industrial environment, for up to three months. View a complete Areas of Use list here.