1. What are the major benefits that a consumer will see as a result of the addition of Microban to Lucite XL acrylic sheet?

While Lucite XL acrylic sheet has always been easier to keep clean than any other materials, the addition of Microban will make the sheet better: Microban inhibits the growth of bacteria, which cause stain and odor. Therefor, units will stay cleaner between cleanings. This benefit is locked into the material itself and will not be washed away like currently available sprays and liquids-- it is engineered to last the life of the unit. Always being there and inhibiting the growth of various microbes will help protect the unit's surface from this sort of attack

2. How does Microban antibacterial protection work?

Microban protection is incorporated into Lucite XL during its manufacturing process, this is why Microban is a durable part of the product, both inside it and at it's surface. Microban protection intercepts bacteria at the products surface and inhibits their growth.

3. What kind of proof do you have that Microban antibacterial protection is safe?

Microban has undergone excessive independent laboratory testing and has been proven safe. It is registered with the EPA for all applications in which it is used. Furthermore, Microban is registered with the FDA for specific end-use medical applications. Products with Microban protection have been used safely in medical applications for over ten years. (e.g. surgical incise drape, hospital bed mattress, and pillow ticking.

4. What happens if the Lucite XL is scratched or chipped? Will any type of abrasion diminish the Microban protection?

Microban protection is not a coating on the surface of the Lucite XL sheet. Like color it is added during manufacturing, literally becoming part of the product. So, it is built into the product thus, the Microban is always available to contiguously work for the life of the product. Other types of abrasion, including cleaning, will not impede Microban protection. In fact, Microban Products company and ICI strongly suggest that appropriate cleaning practices continue to be used.

5. Does this mean that I don't have to clean my products as much or as carefully?

No, because Microban is an added level of protection appropriate cleaning and sanitizing practices should continue to be used. MPC and ICI Acrylics Inc. recommend the best possible regimen for all products.

6. Does this product work only in plastics?

Microban is already established as an antibacterial component for products used in hospitals, laboratories and food processing facilities to help protect those products against the growth of bacteria. It is used in fibers to make fabrics for items such as pillows and mattress pads, socks and underwear. It is used in carpeting, flooring materials, surgical incise drapes, dental instrument trays, toothbrushes, mops and much more.

7. What type organisms does it work against?

Microban is a broad spectrum anti-microbial - it is effective against the most common bacteria that cause odors and stains.

8. Does Microban begin working immediately?

Microban protection begins to work as soon as the bacteria come into contact with the product containing Microban protection. It then works to maintain a consistently lower bio-burden than would be expected on a product without Microban protection.

9. What effects does Microvan have on decreasing disease?

We are not making health claims for these products. Microban inhibits the growth of bacteria. We believe the control of bacterial growth and the resultant lower bio-burden to be important benefits.

10. If there is no health benefit you can lay claim to , why are you doing this?

In a recent CBS poll measuring consumer concern for bacteria in their environment shows that products that reduce the number of bacteria on a surface are found very beneficial to consumers. The EPA that regulates antibacterial additives in most solids does not currently have a process by which health related claims of an additive can be approved. The fact still remains that consumers do find value in a reduction of bacteria on given surfaces and are willing to pay extra for this attribute.

11. Has anyone ever gotten sick from using product with Microban antibacterial protection.

While it is impossible to say that no one will ever experience an allergic reaction to anything, like color additives, it is highly unlikely a negative experience would be observed, especially since Microban is used in such low levels. Microban is incorporated into the plastic that is used to make the product. Therefore, it is bound to the material making it a durable part of the finished product, both inside and at it's surface-similar to the color added to the plastic.

12.What are the ingredients in the Microban additive?

Microban protection is an organic compound in the same family as Triclosan is one of the most widely tested antimicrobials n the world. This product has been used world wide, for many years, in various consumer applications including toothpaste, mouthwash, and most antibacterial soaps.

13. Does Microban cause resistant strains of organism?

After more than 30 years of use in numerous consumer and professional product applications around the world there has been no evidence of resistant strain development..

14. Does Microban have any effect on m inerals build up?

NO.

15. What is the nature of the MPC/ICI Acrylics relationship? Is it expected to extend to the whole line of Lucite XL products?

ICI Acrylics and MPC have formed a business partnership to commercialize and market Lucite XL sheet with Microban antibacterial protection. The initial focus is product applications in the sanitaryware market. ICI will be exploring other Lucite product application where Microban protection can provide unique value and benefit to its customers.

16. Is Lucite XL the first in its category to have Microban in it?

Lucite XL is the first cast acrylic sheeting for sanitarware to incorporate Microban protection.

17. It has been around for years, how come it is only in solid cast sheeting now?

First, the MPC has a strong commitment to the safety and efficiency of Microban antibacterial protection. Testing and governmental approvals had to be obtained. Some product applications approvals are faster to obtain from the government that others. Those applications, primarily medical and commercial, were the ones MPC concentrated on first.

Second, was the consumer demand. The consumer was less concerned about germs in their environment, even just two to three years ago, than they are today. With the introduction of antibacterial soaps and other products the consumer became more aware of products that could help. The incorporation of Microban is the next logical step-antibacterial protection for durable plastic products like toys and fibers for pillows, mattress pads and clothing and, of course, solid cast sheeting.

18. Will Lucite XL with Microban protection be available Internationally?

Yes.

19. If the Microban protected products come into contact with something hot, is the Microban protection likely to come out?

The Microban protection is built into the product. If plastic melt, the area containing the Microban will, of course be damaged. However, the plastic will still contain Microban antibacterial protection.

20. Haven't some companies gotten in trouble with government agencies and been fined for how they advertise products containing anti microbial additives.

The guidance that the EPA had given over the last year concerning the claims that antibacterial additives and the products that use them can make has improved and become more clear. Even manufacturers who over a year ago had their packaging claims clarified by the EPA continue to sell their products with antibacterial protection because they know the consumers see the values in the category. For instance, we cannot claim that units make form Lucite XL with Microban product people from germs or reduce their exposure to diseases like AIDS, etc., or kills bacteria or other microorganisms. Units containing Microban should be cleaned regularly and in the Microban assists, but does not replace, spa water treatment systems and normal cleaning cycles for bathing vessels to keep the units cleaner between cleanings and inhibit the growth of stain and odor causing organisms.

21. Will units made with Lucite XL with Microban cost a lot more?

No. Consumers have already indicated they are willing to pay for the benefit received, at a level which will cover the modest added ingredient cost and still allow an opportunity for you to be rewarded for offering this unique product. There have been rumors that you may be subject to OEM license fees. This is simply an attempt to scare you! ICI Acrylics has negotiated rights for promotional use of the Microban name on all collateral promotional materials which we will provide for your use, at no additional cost to you!