Spectrum Blue introduces a range of antimicrobial coating solutions to help stop the growth of mould and fungi and reduce the risk of infections in a wide variety of settings.
Mould is an amazing piece of biology. It is extremely rough and can grow everywhere, even on spacecrafts in vacuum and extreme radiation. It is spreading more than ever since we are getting a warmer and wetter climate. It is dangerous for human health and destroys material integrity. How can we stop and protect against unwanted mould growth?
What is mould?
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in multicellular filaments called hyphae. It is a natural part of the environment and can be found almost anywhere that moisture and oxygen are present. While mould plays an important role outdoors in breaking down dead organic matter, its presence indoors can be problematic.
Mould is very common in homes and buildings. A 2017 study found mould in every public building studied, with an average of about 14 instances of mould per building. This widespread presence makes mould a significant issue for building owners and occupants.
Building a mould-free future for homes and workspaces
Mould growth in indoor environments poses serious risks, from structural damage to health problems such as allergies and respiratory issues. To tackle this challenge, experts emphasise the importance of controlling moisture, maintaining clean surfaces, and improving air quality. But while traditional methods provide temporary solutions, innovative technologies now offer lasting protection.
Tackling moisture and ventilation
Moisture is the root cause of mould. Leaks, condensation, and poor drainage create the perfect breeding ground for fungi. Proper waterproofing, fixing leaks promptly, and ensuring good exterior drainage are essential first steps. Inside, well-maintained HVAC systems help regulate humidity levels and improve airflow. With the right filters and regular cleaning, these systems can also reduce the spread of mould spores through the air.
The role of cleaning and disinfection
Routine cleaning is critical to controlling mould in damp or high-traffic areas. Natural disinfectants like hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are effective in eliminating mould from surfaces such as tiles and grout. However, even the most diligent cleaning can only address mould temporarily, as it cannot prevent spores from returning.
The need for long-term solutions
While managing moisture and routine cleaning are important, they require constant effort and vigilance. Mould has a way of thriving in unseen corners or returning after a few missed cleanings. To create truly safe, healthy, and sustainable indoor spaces, a more permanent solution is needed.
Q-Field coating: A 24/7 mould defense
Q-Field, Spectrum Blue’s revolutionary photocatalytic coating, offers the only round-the-clock, permanent solution to mould prevention. Unlike traditional cleaning methods or coatings that wear off over time, Q-Field uses visible light to activate its antimicrobial properties, eliminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses continuously. Applied to walls, ceilings, HVAC ducts, and other surfaces, Q-Field forms a protective barrier that transforms indoor environments.
By reducing mould growth, improving air quality, and cutting energy demands associated with constant cleaning or dehumidification, Q-Field delivers a safer and more sustainable indoor environment. It’s not just a solution – it’s a leap forward in creating healthier spaces for homes and workplaces alike.
Q-FIELD integrated in paint has a continuous 24/7 protection. You can find out more about the effects of Q-FIELD here.
The case of Bygdøy Museum
Pilot testing SAFER SPACES: Antimicrobial coatings at The Maritime Museum in Oslo
The Norwegian Maritime Museum in Oslo, renowned for its rich collection of maritime artifacts, is constantly exploring innovative solutions to preserve its collections and create a safe, healthy environment for its visitors and staff. In collaboration with Spectrum Blue, the museum is conducting a pilot test of our advanced antimicrobial coating, part of the SAFER SPACES product series. This coating, also known as Q-Paint, is enhanced with Q-FIELD particles – a cutting-edge technology proven to significantly reduce mould, bacteria, and viruses. With successful results from laboratory tests, this pilot programme marks an exciting step in exploring the potential benefits of Q-Paint for the museum’s operations, sustainability, and public health.
A pilot test with proven efficacy
Q-Paint incorporates Q-FIELD particles – photocatalytic agents that break down harmful microorganisms when exposed to light. This technology has already demonstrated excellent efficacy in laboratory settings, showing remarkable success in reducing microbial growth on various surfaces.
As part of the pilot project at The Maritime Museum, Q-Paint is being applied to selected areas within the museum, such as walls and ceilings. This trial offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the real-world performance of the coating in a museum setting. The museum has embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm, recognising the potential for this innovative technology to enhance their preservation efforts and contribute to their sustainability goals.
Preserving artifacts and infrastructure
The preservation of maritime artifacts is a primary concern for The Maritime Museum, where mould and moisture pose significant risks to the longevity of the collection. By applying Q-Paint, the museum is taking a proactive step in preventing mould formation on treated surfaces. The photocatalytic properties of Q-FIELD particles inhibit the growth of mould spores and bacteria, reducing the likelihood of damage to the museum’s valuable exhibits. This application not only helps protect the artifacts but also contributes to the long-term preservation of the building itself.
With less mould-related damage, the museum may avoid costly and disruptive renovations, such as wall replacements or replastering, extending the life of its infrastructure. By reducing the need for these resource-intensive activities, Q-Paint also supports the museum’s environmental and economic sustainability efforts, ensuring that both the collection and the building remain in excellent condition.
Improving public health and safety
Beyond artifact protection, Q-Paint offers significant health benefits for the museum’s visitors and staff. The Q-FIELD particles in the coating work by eliminating harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and mould spores, when exposed to light. This technology ensures that treated surfaces remain inhospitable to pathogens, reducing the risk of infections and improving the overall indoor air quality within the museum. For a high-traffic venue like The Maritime Museum, where public health is a top priority, this technology provides an effective and sustainable means of ensuring a safer environment for the public.
Sustainability and cost savings
The SAFER SPACES antimicrobial coating not only offers superior protection but also helps reduce the museum’s environmental impact and operational costs. The coating’s effectiveness in preventing mould growth means fewer costly repairs and renovations will be necessary, which helps reduce the museum’s CO2 footprint by minimising the resources and energy required for infrastructure updates. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of Q-Paint reduce the need for frequent cleaning with harsh chemical detergents. Surfaces treated with Q-Paint require only occasional cleaning with hot water and a microfibre mop, reducing both cleaning costs and chemical usage. This not only lowers operational costs but also improves the health and safety of cleaning staff, reducing their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
A collaborative approach to innovation
The Maritime Museum’s pilot testing of Q-Paint demonstrates its commitment to supporting innovation and sustainability in the cultural sector. As a ‘proptech museum’, the institution embraces emerging technologies that can improve museum operations and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. This collaboration is mutually beneficial: the museum gains access to an advanced solution that enhances both the protection of its artifacts and the health of its visitors, while our company benefits from real-world testing and feedback to refine and scale our technology.
Conclusion
The pilot test of Q-Paint from the SAFER SPACES series at The Maritime Museum in Oslo is an exciting step toward advancing museum preservation and public health. With its proven efficacy in laboratory tests, Q-Paint offers significant benefits, including enhanced protection for artifacts, improved public health, and reduced environmental impact. By preventing mould, bacteria, and viruses, the coating helps safeguard both cultural treasures and the people who enjoy them. The added sustainability of extending the life of infrastructure and reducing cleaning costs makes Q-Paint a smart investment for the museum’s future. Through this collaboration, The Maritime Museum is taking a significant step toward a safer, healthier, and more sustainable museum environment, setting a precedent for others in the sector to follow.
Case: Protecting soldiers in military barracks with antimicrobial coatings
Mould and moisture-related issues in military barracks have long been a concern, with documented cases of soldiers suffering from respiratory problems, nosebleeds, and general reduced health due to exposure to mould spores. Some of the Norwegian army’s barracks have even had to be abandoned due to the severity of mould infestations, which have compromised the health of soldiers and the integrity of the buildings. In response to this critical issue, our antimicrobial coating, part of the SAFER SPACES series, presents a highly effective solution to mitigate mould growth and protect both the health of military personnel and the longevity of the infrastructure.
By applying Q-Paint – which contains the innovative Q-FIELD photocatalytic particles – on walls and ceilings in barracks, the spread of mould and harmful microorganisms can be significantly reduced. The coating actively prevents the growth of mould, bacteria, and viruses, ensuring a healthier environment for soldiers, reducing the risk of respiratory issues, and promoting overall wellbeing. Additionally, Q-Paint’s ability to limit the growth of mould means less frequent renovations and fewer resource-intensive repairs, ultimately saving costs while also reducing the CO2 footprint associated with rebuilding or replacing infrastructure. This makes it an ideal solution for military facilities looking to improve health and sustainability while reducing the operational and maintenance challenges associated with traditional methods of mould control.
Case: Space stations and spacecrafts: Protecting humans in space
Space-bacteria and -mould are real. Humans, food and biology, growing things in space, in a closed container with closed loop recirculation of air and water, is a challenging environment to keep clean and avoid microbes to grow. The applications of Q-FIELD in space include coatings and textiles integrated with Q-FIELD inside spacecrafts, spacestations, and spacesuits.
ESA has projects trying to stop microbial growth in spacestations.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 21st edition of our quarterly publication.
