FAQs
Bac-Shield™ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If a person is allergic to shellfish, will treating articles with Bac-shield lead to an allergic reaction?
A: No. The allergens of shellfish are proteins. Proteins are denatured and removed from the raw materials (crab shells) before being processed into Bac-Shield. Bac-Shield’s hypoallergenic properties are addressed in its EPA classification.
Q: Is Bac-Shield safe for people and for the environment?
A: According to the EPA, “all the data reviewed by the Agency indicate that both Chitin and Chitosan are so low in toxicity as to be considered virtually non-toxic to humans or animals” and Chitin and Chitosan pose “negligible to non-existent ecological risk.” (EPA-HQ-EPA-2006-0566)
Bac-Shield is classified as EPA Class 3, a mild eye irritant in its concentrated liquid form. If you get some in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.
Bac-Shield is biodegradable. Check the MSDS for details.
Q: Does Bac-Shield inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria?
A: Yes. Bac-Shield inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria and, therefore, the odors and discolorations they cause.
Q: Is Bac-Shield available as a ready-to-use product?
A: Yes. Bac-Shield is available premixed in spray bottles as well as in a concentrate. Look for Bac-Shield in your local sporting goods store or contact Chem-Tex Laboratories.
Q: I have some cottons and some synthetics to treat. Do I use the same amount of Bac-Shield regardless of the type of material my laundry items are made of?
A: If you are spraying it on the articles, yes, use the same amount. If you are using it in the washing machine, no, you must use different amounts. See the instructions for use in laundry for more information.
Q: Does Bac-Shield kill bacteria?
A: The term “kills” is reserved for products that are registered with EPA as a sanitizer, disinfectant or sterilizer. EPA assigns the classification based on how quickly the organisms are killed and the range of organisms against which the product is effective. Bac-Shield has not requested registration in any of these classifications because Bac-Shield is intended to play a different role in a hygiene program, providing the residual protection that sanitizers, disinfectants and sterilizers do not.
Q: Can Bac-Shield be used in hard water?
A: Yes. Bac-Shield is effective regardless of water hardness.
Q: How does Bac-Shield attach itself to clothing?
A: The polymer strands of Bac-Shield bind to the fibers of fabric.
Q: Is Bac-Shield made from an EPA registered product?
A: Yes, Bac-Shield is Chem-Tex’s EPA registered name for Chitosante, which is an EPA registered product. Chem-Tex holds the EPA registration for Chitosante in the United States.
Q: Why does Bac-Shield have to be registered with the EPA?
A: EPA requires that all antimicrobials be registered to ensure their safety for people and for the environment.
Q: How is Bac-Shield registered with the EPA?
A: Bac-Shield is registered under the treated article exemption. This is applied to products whose sole purpose is to protect treated articles or substances against contamination as opposed to products that are designed to protect humans directly. Treatment with Bac-Shield makes an article or substance a hostile environment for the growth of mold, mildew, fungi or bacteria.
Q: How does Bac-Shield reduce odors?
A: Odors are a by-product of the growth of bacteria. By inhibiting the growth of bacteria, Bac-Shield reduces the resulting odors.
Q: Can I find other Chitosan-based antimicrobials in the United States?
A: No. Chem-Tex Laboratories holds the exclusive United States EPA registration of Chitosante, the only Chitosan-based antimicrobial.
Q: Will Bac-Shield be effective if I air-dry my laundry?
A: Yes. but the treatment may not stand up to repeated washings as well as it would if you used a dryer. Heat helps fix Bac-Shield to the fibers, making the treatment more durable.
Q: What is the shelf life of Bac-Shield?
A: The shelf life has been shown to be greater than two years.
Q: At what point in the wash cycle should Bac-Shield be added?
A: Bac-Shield should be added to the final rinse cycle. Then articles should be dried. See the instructions for use in laundry for more information.
Q: Can I use Bac-Shield in the rinse cycle after having used chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide?
A: Yes, Bac-Shield will remain effective.
Q: A salesperson claimed that using towels and clothing treated with a certain product will prevent my athletes from contracting MRSA. Should I believe this claim?
A: The claim that an article prevents transmission to humans cannot be made legally unless the treated article itself is registered with the EPA. You should ask the salesperson to produce the EPA documentation that certifies the treated article as a pesticide product since that is a public health claim.
Q: A salesperson claimed that treatment of an article with a certain product will last for seventy-five washes. Should I believe this claim?
A: No claim is too big if you don’t have to produce results and that claim is out of line with typical performance in textiles. Ask the salesperson to produce documentation from a certified lab running AATCC tests that indicate that the product remains effective after the number of washes claimed.