Proactive Approach for Safe Use of Antimicrobial Coatings in Healthcare Settings: Opinion of the COST Action Network AMiCI

Merja Ahonen, Anne Kahru, Angela Ivask, Kaja Kasemets, Siiri Kõljalg, Paride Mantecca, Ivana Vinković Vrček, Minna M. Keinänen-Toivola and Francy Crijns
Additional contact information
Merja Ahonen: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 211, FI-26101 Rauma, Finland
Anne Kahru: Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Akadeemia tee 23, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
Angela Ivask: Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Akadeemia tee 23, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
Kaja Kasemets: Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Akadeemia tee 23, Tallinn 12618, Estonia
Siiri Kõljalg: Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, Tartu 50411, Estonia
Paride Mantecca: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Research Centre POLARIS, University of Milano-Bicocca, 1 Piazza della Scienza, 20126 Milan, Italy
Ivana Vinković Vrček: Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
Minna M. Keinänen-Toivola: Faculty of Technology, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 211, FI-26101 Rauma, Finland
Francy Crijns: Department Bèta Sciences and Technology, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 550, 6400 AN Heerlen, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-23

Abstract: Infections and infectious diseases are considered a major challenge to human health in healthcare units worldwide. This opinion paper was initiated by EU COST Action network AMiCI (AntiMicrobial Coating Innovations) and focuses on scientific information essential for weighing the risks and benefits of antimicrobial surfaces in healthcare settings. Particular attention is drawn on nanomaterial-based antimicrobial surfaces in frequently-touched areas in healthcare settings and the potential of these nano-enabled coatings to induce (eco)toxicological hazard and antimicrobial resistance. Possibilities to minimize those risks e.g., at the level of safe-by-design are demonstrated.

Keywords: nanomaterials; silver; copper; safety; healthcare associated infections; ecotoxicity; antimicrobial resistance; risk-benefit analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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