With over 30,000 cases — and counting — of COVID-19 reported in Singapore, it seems like the fight against the virus is set for the long haul. While there has been a drop in the number of infections, more must be done to flatten the curve and protect our families and loved ones.

Despite stricter circuit breaker measures being implemented for community-based activities, such as work-from-home schemes, social distancing at all venues and the halt of non-essential activities, what of our personal spaces? Are our homes truly safe from viral harms and micro-bacteria?

Evidence points to the fact that human-to-human transmission of COVID-19 is predominantly spread via droplets emitted from an infected person over a short distance after a cough or a sneeze. Similarly, it has also been proven that contaminated objects and surfaces are equally important mediums for transmission of similar diseases, such as SARS and MERS, especially when followed by touching one’s nose, eyes or mouth.

To help reduce the rate of transmission, Nippon Paint has developed a new paint that is formulated to be more than 99% effective against human coronavirus 229E.

Are all Coronaviruses the same?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that lead to illnesses from the common cold to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). As one of the first human coronavirus strains to be identified, HCoV-229E is linked to common cold symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections in healthy adults. While different from the COVID-19 strain, respiratory viruses are still responsible for more deaths globally than any other infectious agents.

With symptoms of respiratory viruses, like stubborn coughs, resulting in the continuous recontamination of surfaces, there is a heightened probability of coming into contact with infectious virus particles, particularly in common areas and facilities.

Safer Homes and Spaces through Antimicrobial Technology

Interestingly, certain materials have been found to destroy viruses and pathogens. One of these materials is copper: a versatile metal that has been used since ancient times and has been determined to possess antimicrobial properties.

Based on a clinical trial conducted in 2015, findings showed a 58% reduction in infection rates within patients’ rooms that had components made of copper, as compared to rooms with components made from standard materials, such as plastic and aluminium. Additionally, copper is the first and only metal that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has approved to have antimicrobial properties.

The result from the trials concluded that built copper alloy components in the environment may have the potential to reduce not only hospital-acquired infections, but also patient treatments costs.

Leveraging Copper’s Antimicrobial Properties for Homes and Healthcare Spaces

Constantly pushing the boundaries in safeguarding spaces and enhancing lives through paint technology, Nippon Paint harnessed the power of copper ions to formulate and produce the VirusGuard+ antimicrobial paint.

Tapping on state-of-the-art technological solutions, Nippon Paint VirusGuard+ consists of a glass ceramic powder that encapsulates the most active microbial state of copper to destroy viruses and bacteria that come into contact on surfaces. The encapsulated copper ions work to destroy the capsid protein layer by fragmenting the viruses’ genetic material to mitigate its multiplication. This effectively works by preserving the paint’s integrity, while reducing pathogens on painted walls.

Registered with the US EPA as an antimicrobial additive to protect from mould, mildew, and bacteria to ensure long lasting protection for walls and surfaces, VirusGuard+ has been tested by a third-party laboratory to completely inactivate human coronavirus.

“As the world’s leading scientists and pathologists grapple to understand the viral genome sequencing of COVID-19, we have formulated a paint that is effective against the human coronavirus, the closest possible strain to COVID-19. Through this, we will not only give greater confidence to healthcare institutions, but also make it available to individuals and families so they are able to protect their homes and loved ones as well.” shared, Charlie Ong, General Manager of Nippon Paint.

It is of equal importance that beyond social distancing measures, individuals should start safeguarding their personal spaces for themselves and their loved ones. If history is anything to go by, COVID-19 may just be a part of a series in an unavoidable future of global pandemics.

Available for use in 23 specially curated matte-finish colours, ranging from neutral hues to calming yellows, greens, and blues, VirusGuard+ provides long-lasting protection on internal masonry spaces.

Learn more about Nippon Paint VirusGuard+ at www.nipponpaint.com.sg