Q: What’s wrong with antimicrobials that use heavy metals? 

A: Heavy metal-based antimicrobials such as silver based antimicrobials have been proven to have a detrimental impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Heavy metal products not only shed toxic particles into water systems during production but also during consumer laundering. 

 

Q: How is V-Shield’s hydrogen peroxide based chemistry different than heavy metals?

A: Hydrogen peroxide is a naturally abundant compound that can be found in the human body and in many living organisms. Its unique makeup is not harmful or persistent in the environment. When hydrogen peroxide enters the environment it breaks down into oxygen and water. 

 

Q: How does the hydrogen peroxide stay on the fabric? 

A: OSM Shield utilizes zinc oxide as a sequestering agent for the hydrogen peroxide. Zinc oxide is very effective in storing the hydrogen peroxide and deploying it when needed. The zinc oxide and sequestered hydrogen peroxide are then adhered to the fabric with a proprietary binder system that ensures the zinc oxide and hydrogen peroxide are durable to home launderings and abrasion.

 

Q: Is zinc oxide a heavy metal? 

A: Although “zinc” is a heavy metal, “zinc oxide” is actually a ceramic compound. It is commonly found as an additive in foods, packaging, and over the counter skincare products. Zic oxide is FDA approved and used to treat baby rash, skin irritation, burns, cuts, and scrapes.

 

Q: I’ve seen other antimicrobials in the marketplace that are less expensive per kg than V-Shield? 

A: The price per kg is oftern misleading if not relative to the efficacy, durability, and application percentage of the product. For example, an alternative product with a low price per kg might require a heavy dose of chemistry to achieve the desired performance and ultimately result in a much higher price per running yard of fabric as compared to OSM’s V-Shield. V-shield is priced very competitively. Notwithstanding, many of today’s products in the market are environmentally hazardous and under increasing environmental environmental and regulatory scrutiny.  
 

Q: How does V-Shield’s durability compare to other options in the market? 

A: V-Shield has proven to be more durable in both normal and harsh laundering conditions than  the leading competitors. Efficacy at 50 home launderings is considered standard. 

 

Q: Does V-Shield work on all fabrics? 

A: Yes. Furthermore, our innovation team tests every customer’s fabric to ensure antimicrobial efficacy and durability before moving to production. 

 

Q: What if I have sensitive skin? 

A: V-Shield is non-sensitizing and non-irratating to the skin and has passed extensive skin sensitivity testing through third-party laboratories. V-Shield is used in the medical field in wound dressings which entail long exposures to the skin. 

 

Q: Are there are any special care instructions? 

A: V-Shield does not require any unique care instructions nor does the EPA impose any limitations or special usage limits.