How do viruses behave on a Krionâ„¢ surface?

14/10/2020

Up to now, at Krion we have had first-hand knowledge of how bacteria acted on Krion™ surfaces, which are non-porous, have no visible joins and can form curved edging to make maintenance easier. However, current circumstances call for special attention to the behaviour of viruses, to respond to the queries submitted by our associates regarding the infectivity of viruses on Krion™ surfaces.

The study was carried out by the Virology Research Services Ltd. laboratory in the United Kingdom, using the FID50 counting system, on a Krion™ surface. During the study, an inert plastic surface of the type commonly installed in health centres was used for comparison.

Two types of safe virus were chosen for this scientific study. The first was the HCoV-NL63 coronavirus, which belongs to the SARS-CoV-2 family. It affects humans but is not lethal. The second was another potentially dangerous virus, Influenza A, which causes common flu and has a great impact on society during the year.

Conduct of the study

The Virology Research Services Ltd. laboratory was responsible for depositing the non-lethal human coronavirus HCoV-NL63 and the Influenza A virus on an untreated Krion™ Snow White 1100 surface and on a plastic surface for comparison, following the modified ISO 21702 standard.

The Virology Research Services Ltd. laboratory.

The infectivity of the HCoV-NL63 coronavirus was 82.22% lower 24 hours after coming into contact with a Krion™ surface, while in the case of plastic the reduction was 55.28% over the same period of time. After 48 hours, infectivity was 97.25% lower, compared with 98.45% for plastic, and after 72 hours it was 98.22% lower, compared to 98.45% for a plastic surface.

There was an 88.75% reduction in the activity of the Influenza A virus during the first 2 hours of contact with a Krion™ surface, whereas the reduction on a plastic surface over the same period was 18.44%. After 24 hours, the presence of the virus on the Krion™ surface was reduced by 99.73% compared to 99.97% on plastic and after 48 hours it had decreased by 99.98% compared to 99.99% for plastic.

Results of the study by The Virology Research Services Ltd. laboratory.

We may conclude that the reduction in infectivity of both viruses on a Krion™ surface indicates a lower likelihood of infection. Krion urges everyone to follow the health and safety recommendations issued in the current pandemic to prevent the spread of infection.

Krion™ Solid Surface: resistance and safety

The most advanced mineral compact on the market is synonymous with resistance and safety thanks to its ability to withstand impacts and solar radiation. It is also non-porous, with imperceptible joins, maximising hygiene and preventing the proliferation of bacteria. 

Krion offers excellent mechanical properties and aesthetic qualities, always following the latest design trends, making it the ideal solid surface for any type of project, whether residential or in the hotel and catering sectors.