Perhaps the most unavoidable form of germ transmission occurs through the ordinary use of money and credit cards. Despite the increase in electronic transactions, it seems impossible for most people to change their habits so radically as to avoid the direct handling of bills or plastic. Yet, experts have determined incontrovertibly that such activities function as potential vectors of Covid-19.
Clinical studies conducted at Queen Mary University in London, the world renowned research college, where they swabbed the hands, money, and credit cards of nearly 300 citizens, gathered the following findings: They discoverd bacteria on the hands of 11% of the total group, on 8% of the credit cards, and on 6% of the bills they tested.
Research proves that the ‘hard surface’ equivalent of currency alternatives, such as credit cards, which carry contact-viruses all too efficiently is unfortunately overlooked all over the world. Whereas most people are more inclined to disinfect their hands while interacting with others or with large surfaces, credit cards are almost always forgotten. Certainly, a great deal of evidence does already exist, gleaned from several studies, but the true scope of the danger seems to have escaped the notice of both the media and the authorities worldwide. A number of factors combine to make transmission through this particular form of direct handling a specific concern and a solution is very urgently needed.
A leading company in the luxury financing field, the Insignia Group, has come up with a hi-tech solution. Since 1996 Insignia has operated in the area of lifestyle management and financial services for very high-net-worth individuals with demanding standards, providing them with financing and personalized credit card facilities. Currently, they have successfully developed technology of layered metal coating that prevents germs from enduring on the specially treated surface.
HOW DOES IT WORK
In effect, the technology works by silver-coating money-cards with a layer that resists pathogens. Stringent tests on silver, ceramic, titanium and zinc credit-card materials showed that the coating effectively killed up to 99.9 percent of germs on treated surfaces. The tests also showed that pathogens do not have time to develop resistance before being completely destroyed. Moreover, because the technology operates mechanically rather than chemically, the use of silver coating won’t contribute to environmental pollution.
Further studies revealed that the silver coating demonstrated the best germ-killing power when it is applied on titanium or zinc surfaces, layered below the silver on the credit cards. The silver catalysed the release of reactive oxygen species, which could even kill nearby free-floating bacteria that were not in direct contact with the surface.
Nada Tucakov, President and Chief Global Strategist at Insignia Group of Companies, stated: “This is just the first step from a series of actions that we’ll undertake here at Insignia to carry on being a safe haven for our clients. We pride ourselves on our ability to anticipate what will be needed of us. And right now, our main priority is developing new ways to keep the economy a safe environment to operate in.”
Insignia Group
Tel: +44 203 530 5050
www.insignia.com
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