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Stopping the Fungus Among Us
In AK Steel's new concept home, allergy-causing molds are a thing of the past.
By Becky Worley
Tech Live
April 1, 2003
It's that time of year again when winter storms and pesky colds give way to
springtime allergies -- sneezing, itchy red eyes, and tons of discomfort. To
some, going indoors gets rid of their symptoms. For others, going inside can
cause even more problems.
Indoor allergies are due to airborne, microscopic particles that come from dust,
mold spores, and fungi -- common allergens that can thrive inside, as well as
outside. That's especially true in damp climates such as the Pacific Northwest.
But now, there may be a solution to the funky fungus other than pills, shots, or
moving to the arid desert Southwest. The answer may lie in the anti-microbial
home, made from special steel components coated with anti-fungal materials.
Silver-coated home
AK Steel and its subsidiary AgION Technologies have used the special steel to
build a concept home in the Southern California hills near Los Angeles. The home
is a dream -- a modern, 11,000-square-foot steel spread designed by architect
David Martin of AC Martin Partners, and built for prominent LA attorney Edward
A. Landry and his wife Madeleine. The home, built nearly entirely of steel,
appears inviting rather than cold and foreboding.
The high tech coatings are used throughout the home in "high-touch zones,"
including faucets and food preparation surfaces. To prevent the spread of
airborne fungi and mold, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning duct
work will also be made of AgION-coated steel.
The compound in the coatings is a long-lasting inorganic material that contains
silver, an agent that may help control the growth and spread of microorganisms
such as fungi and yeast.
Dr. Chuck Gerba is an internationally known microbiologist who teaches at the
University of Arizona and has written about the impact of silver on microscopic
growths. He says the premise of the steel is to reduce allergens and cut down on
bacteria that spread via commonly touched areas like doorknobs.
"The coating," he says of the steel, "contains silver ions that are released at
a slow and steady rate ensuring long term protection of steel and other
surfaces."
Bacteria-free countertops
In the kitchen, the silver-coated steel has been placed in food preparation
areas and used as countertops. AK Steel says it can be included in any product
where the growth of bacteria, mold, or mildew may be a concern.
Gerba explains that the use of the coated steel on countertops helps keep
bacteria in check, too.
"We wipe up with a sponge and don't realize the sponge may be riddled with
bacteria," he says, "so really we're laying down another layer of bacteria." AK
Steel says the silver AgION surfaces help combat that effect.
The cost of using the AgION/AK Steel product in construction of a new home seems
minimal, according to the company, which says the products cost only 10 percent
more than similar steel construction materials. |
