Chem-Tex Laboratories, Inc.

…the antimicrobial that “fills the gap” between cleanings

Bac-Shield is an antimicrobial product of Chem-Tex Laboratories that inhibits the growth and odor of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi on textiles and treated surfaces.

Ordinary cleaners and disinfectants offer no protection to materials between treatments, leaving them vulnerable to recontamination.  Bac-Shield helps control the source of contamination and resulting odors by preventing the growth of microbes.

View a short presentation (wmv) about Bac-Shield and how it works.

…the “green” antimicrobial

Bac-Shield’s active ingredient is chitosan. Chitosan is made from snow crab shells, an abundant and replenishable resource with natural antimicrobial properties. 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)

View a short presentation (wmv) >about Bac-Shield and the environment.

Proven Effective

Bac-Shield is effective on textiles and surfaces against bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi and is used in a variety of applications, among them:

• Triumph Apparel Corporation (formerly Danskin) – US Marine men’s and women’s undergarments
• NC State University Wrestling – singlets, practice gear, towels and locker rooms
• Johnston Industries – convertible jeep tops
• Dade Linen Services – hotels, motels and cruise ships
• Sport-Install – synthetic playing surfaces
• Mannington Industries – carpet

Read what our customers have to say about Bac-Shield’s effectiveness.

Chem-Tex Laboratories continues field trials, including:

• Various building surfaces including vinyl siding, wood siding, and stucco
• Synthetic putting greens
• Concrete
• Cruise ships – carpet, upholstery, canvas awnings, etc.
• Prison garments and linen

The Active Ingredient – Chitosan

Chitosan is made from snow crab shells, an abundant and replenishable resource with natural antimicrobial properties. This process for manufacturing chitosan was developed at North Carolina State University by Dr. Y.C. Wei during his graduate studies. Chem-Tex Laboratories holds the exclusive USA rights to the EPA registration of chitosan as an anti-microbial for textiles and surfaces.

Safety of Application

Bac-Shield was registered with the EPA in 2003 under the treated article exemption. (See 40 C.F.R. 152.25(a) for guidance about treated article claims.) As a registered pesticide, it is placed in toxicity category III, “CAUTION”, because it is a mild eye irritant. In contrast, household bleach is a category I, “DANGER”.

View a short presentation about Bac-Shield and the EPA.

Bac-Shield is hypoallergenic; it will not trigger shellfish allergies.

For more information on handling Bac-Shield, refer to our MSDS (pdf).

Part of a Hygienic Program

There is no “silver bullet” for the control of harmful microbes. Bac-Shield should be used as part of a comprehensive hygiene program in addition to appropriate procedures for cleaning and disinfecting materials and surfaces. Bac-Shield “fills the gap” between cleanings, creating a hostile environment for microbes on treated materials and surfaces while they are being used.

Easy and Economical to Apply

Bac-Shield is easy to apply.

• During manufacturing of articles or surfaces with heat treatment to increase longevity of the application.
• During regular commercial or home laundering of articles at the “fabric softener” phase.
• By spraying on the surface after cleaning.
• By spraying textiles and equipment “head to toe” after cleaning.

Bac-Shield is economical to apply.

• For sports equipment applications, including reconditioning, contact Adams USA.
• For mold prevention and remediation services in the Southeast United States, contact Mold Solutions.
• To protect the value of your investment in synthetic turf in the United States, contact Sport-Install.

For other applications, contact Chem-Tex.