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Antimicrobial Nickel Plating

I see a plating shop advertising a new "antimicrobial" nickel plating and wondering what it is, where might it be used and who manufactures it? Here's their description: "The Antimicrobial Nickel finish suppresses the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, while stopping the spread of germs thru air diffusers, grilles, registers and air ducts. It was designed to be used in Hospitals, Schools, Apartment and Office Buildings. Antimicrobial Nickel finish contains a time-released germicidal agent with antibacterial properties that is 99.9994% effective in controlling the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew on the Nickel finish surface. Surfaces such as door handles, bathroom fixtures, carts and shelves."

Milt Stevenson, Jr.
Syracuse, New York
February 3, 2011

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First of two simultaneous responses -- February 4, 2011

Hi Milt

Silver and copper are both used for anti-bacterial properties. Copper alloys have been subject to a lot of work for use as door handles etc in hospitals.
I would expect nickel to have similar properties but it is also a well known cause of dermatitis. I would not expect a hospital to touch it with a ten foot pole (only my opinion of course!)

I love the claim of 99.994% effective. I would class this as delusions of accuracy and pure salesman talk.

There is also some interest in nanoparticles in this area - and a lot of smoke and mirrors - but I cannot imagine this doing anything for the dermatitis problem except making it worse.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England

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It sounds like the plated surface has a proprietary coating that contains silver.

Lyle Kirman

Lyle Kirman
consultant - Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Second of two simultaneous responses -- February 4, 2011