Why Antimicrobial Silver Ion Technology?

At National Office Furniture, we believe in providing solutions that create healthier environments. You'll find that our products are manufactured responsibly and earn environmental certifications such as level™ and SCS Indoor Advantage™ as well as meeting the air quality standards of CARB (California Air Resource Board). Furthering our commitment to enhancing product performance, our wood finish now features antimicrobial silver ion technology to inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria that can cause odors and stains.

In addition to commercial office spaces, high traffic, public areas found throughout healthcare and education facilities benefit from this extra level of product protection to prevent the spread of bacteria. Silver ion technology not only adds to the performance of our wood products, it provides confidence in knowing that your wood surfaces are better protected.

National Office Furniture chemical engineers and partners developed an enhanced wood finish featuring silver ion technology with no effect on the durability or clarity of our finished wood products. This enhanced antimicrobial wood finish formulation comes standard at no upcharge on finished wood of all National products.

What is Antimicrobial Silver Ion Technology?

Silver is a highly effective, natural antimicrobial agent. Silver ion technology is already present in everyday products (cell phones, touch screens, textiles, clothing, etc.) and has been proven safe to humans, animals and plants.

Silver ion technology resists and inhibits the growth of microorganisms by forming a protective antimicrobial surface against microbes, pathogens and bacteria, such as E. coli and Staph. It also suppresses the growth of harmful mold, mildew and fungus. In helping prevent the growth of stain and odor causing microorganisms, this protection provides stain and odor control.

Additionally, tests have shown that on unprotected surfaces, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes. Mitigating the effects of this rapid escalation, silver ion technology inhibits bacterial growth by 99.94%, keeping surfaces cleaner, longer.

How does Antimicrobial Silver Ion Technology Work?

Silver ions permeate throughout our wood finish and form an antimicrobial surface, effectively inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. Embedding the silver ion technology in the wood finish, versus applying an additional topcoat, ensures that silver's inherent microorganism fighting action will continue to work throughout the product's life.

A silver ion exchange occurs when moisture is introduced (humidity, perspiration, a sneeze, etc.). This moisture contains ions (i.e. sodium, potassium, etc.) that exchange positions with the silver ions. The silver ions disrupt vital cell functions of the harmful microorganisms, therefore inhibiting their growth.