What Are Microbes?
Microbes are the tiniest creatures
not seen by the naked eye. They include a variety of micro-organisms like
Bacteria, Fungi, Algae and viruses. Bacteria are uni-cellular organisms which
grow very rapidly under warmth and moisture. Further, sub divisions in the
bacteria family are Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram negative
(E-Coli), spore bearing or non spore bearing type. Some specific types of
bacteria are pathogenic and cause cross infection. Fungi, molds or mildew are
complex organisms with slow growth rate. They stain the fabric and deteriorate
the performance properties of the fabrics. Fungi are active at a pH level of
6.5. Algae are typical micro organisms which are either fungal or bacterial.
Algae require continuous sources of water and sun light to grow and develop
darker stains on the fabrics
The
hospital and healthcare systems are challenged by the presence of
microorganisms and the negative effects they cause. Deterioration, defacement
and odors are all dramatic effects which occur from the microbial contamination
of surfaces as varied as uniforms and medical non-woven fabrics to medical
devices and hard surfaces i.e., walls, ceilings, and air duct systems. Most
significantly, these surfaces can act as microbial harbors and transfer site
(vectors), offering ideal environments for the proliferation and spread of
microorganisms that are harmful to buildings, textiles, and humans. The ability
to make microbial resistant surfaces in a healthcare environment has advantages
in many applications.
In
spite of the many precautions taken to prevent or reduce the transmission of
harmful organisms in hospitals, such as hand-cleaning, housekeeping, and
laundry protocols, the risk of cross contamination of surfaces and textiles to
patients and staff is considerable. Any textile material and hard surface in a
hospital environment is a potential carrier of infectious agents such as
bacteria, fungi, and yeast. The only effective strategy for reducing such
infections and the conditions for reservoirs of organisms where resistance is
stimulated is to reduce the dose of microorganisms throughout the healthcare
complex using safe persistent antimicrobial technologies to treat such surfaces
and to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and use protocols for
antibiotics.
Major Challenges:
The problems of allergy
and asthma are steadily increasing. One of their major causes is the dust mite,
which thrives in the bedding, carpets and furniture of every home. But, today,
textile treatments are available. The result - a more comfortable home for
those who suffer from these chronic sicknesses. Allergies and asthma seem to be
an increasing phenomenon of our everyday lives. We all know at least one person
who suffers from these chronic problems. In some parts of the world over 40% of
the population shows allergy symptoms. India has been identified as one of the
hot spots for asthma around the world. The explanation for this increase is
mostly related to the fact that we now live cleaner lives in an air-
conditioned world. We might not have to deal with serious diseases like
smallpox or polio. Instead, we have a series of smaller complaints, which are
perhaps related to our lifestyles. Asthma can be triggered because of a number
of reasons. However, in the last few years, we have realised that the cause for
a significant amount of allergies and asthma can be attributed to one creature
the house dust mite. The World Health Organization has named asthma as one of
the major health problems of the current period. The prevalence of dust mites
is no unique phenomenon. They exist on every continent, in every country and in
every house.
They include:
- Runny or stuffy nose, chronic
rhinitis,
- Itchy and watery eyes,
- Sneezing,
- Asthma attacks,
- Wheezing coughs,
- Shortness of breath,
- Signs of allergy while making
the bed,
- A general feeling of being
unwell, without being extremely ill,
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