Bretford First to Introduce Multi-Surface Antimicrobial Finishes on Tables and Carts for Learning and Training.

Microbe Barrier Technologies[TM] Antimicrobial Surface Protection Reduces Growth of Bacteria, Mold, Mildew and Fungi by 99.99 Percent for the Life of the Product

CHICAGO -- Bretford Manufacturing, Inc., manufacturer of dependable furniture products that improve how people work and learn, is the first to offer multi-surface antimicrobial finishes on more than 50 different tables and carts for learning and training environments. Bretford's new Microbe Barrier Technologies[TM] antimicrobial surface protection reduces the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi by 99.99 percent for the life of the product. Available for order now, the Bretford tables and carts with these finishes are intended to help prevent the spread of germs and contribute to the health and well-being of children and adults.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 82 million students and staff are returning to K-12 and higher education environments in the United States this fall. "There is heightened concern about the spread of germs, especially this year with all the flu precautions," said Mikel Briggs, president of Bretford Manufacturing, Inc. "The time was right for us to do our part by providing an added line of defense against sickness-related germs in schools and offices."

Research at the University of Arizona has found that classrooms are some of the most germ-filled public places. Teachers' workspaces are more bacteria-laden than workspaces of other professions because of the constant contact with children. This research also showed that every 60 seconds, a working adult touches as many as 30 objects, and that surfaces play a role in the transmission of viruses and bacteria that cause illness. If these surfaces are not effectively cleaned, and then are touched by individuals, the transfer of disease-causing microbes can begin, resulting in cross-contamination.

"Studies report that good hand hygiene and surface cleaning are still the number-one ways to reduce the transfer of germs," continued Briggs. "To complement these efforts, Bretford's tables and carts with antimicrobial multi-surface protection can help prevent the spread of additional germs, which is especially important for schools and offices at this time."

About Microbe Barrier Technologies Antimicrobial Surface Protection

Bretford's Microbe Barrier Technologies are a blend of polymers and other substances that are coated onto the tables and carts. These finishes do not change the physical or mechanical characteristics of the wood and metal products. The coatings use either a physical or chemical reaction to prevent a disease-causing microbe - or germ - from multiplying. Through extensive studies, these colorless, odorless finishes have been found to be safe for people and effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi. According to the standard methods AATCC Test Method 100 and JIS Z 2801, microbe population reductions of 99.99 percent can be achieved.

Bretford Tables and Carts With Microbe Barrier Technologies

Currently, more than 50 different tables and carts are available with Microbe Barrier Technologies finishes. Models from Bretford's Connections Series work centers, Quattro Series classroom and activity tables and RHOMBII Series training tables will have these coatings as well as brand new edges for a modern look. In addition, models from the company's laptop and technology cart lines will also have the new antimicrobial surface protection.

Availability

Bretford's tables and carts with Microbe Barrier Technologies are available for order now and will begin shipping on October 1, 2009. For more information, please call 1-800-521-9614 or go to www.bretford.com.