Surfaces that are touched daily, both in domestic and professional environments, are a significant vehicle for the spread of viruses and bacteria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pathogens can persist on surfaces for periods ranging from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of surface and the microorganism in question. For example, the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, can remain active on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours, while other viruses, such as influenza, can survive for 24-48 hours on hard surfaces (Source: WHO, 2020).

Bacteria can also persist on surfaces for a long time, contaminating the environment. Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium responsible for serious infections, has been detected on surfaces for periods ranging from 1 to 7 days, depending on environmental conditions. In hospital settings, for example, bacterial contamination rates of surfaces can reach up to 60% (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 2019). These pathogens are easily transmitted through indirect contact, increasing the risk of infection, especially in places with high traffic, such as schools, hospitals, offices and public transportation.

Contact with contaminated surfaces is one of the main routes of transmission of infections. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that approximately 20-30% of respiratory infections and 60% of gastrointestinal infections are linked to contact with infected surfaces and the subsequent transfer of pathogens from hands to the mouth, eyes or nose (Source: ECDC, 2020)

For these reasons, protection against surface contamination is a crucial element in preventing infections.

From SCUDO research comes Steril Fold, a range of elastomers for surface coatings with the power to kill viruses and bacteria 24 hours a day, thus reducing the risk of contamination and increasing the protection of public health.