FACT SHEET No. 1 WHAT IS ZOONO? - Perth

FACT SHEET No. 1 WHAT IS ZOONO? Zoono (also called Zoono Microbe Shield or Zoono Z-71) and its companion product GermFree24 are unique antimicrobial products derived from technology originally developed by German scientists during the 1930’s. The active ingredient was initially developed to control the spread of microbial infections and prevent algal growth and until the end of World War 2, this cutting edge technology was literally a secret. Zoono can be applied as a mist, as a spray, even brushed or used as a dip. It does not require mixing and is safe to handle / safe to store. When the Zoono application dries, the micro thin coating forms a very strong bond with the treated surface. It can be likened to having millions of sword shaped “road spikes” on the surface – each of which will attract, pierce and kill the membrane of the pathogen. The same Zoono molecule is capable of attacking new bacteria cells again and again – with only a single application. Because it does not kill the pathogen by poisoning with toxic chemicals, they cannot adapt to it so there is no possibility of immunity developing (i.e. no possibility of superbugs). Zoono is odourless, non-leaching, environmentally safe, non corrosive and whilst completely safe for humans and animals, is deadly for a wide range of micro organisms including bacteria, mould, fungi and viruses. The list of pathogens killed or inactivated by Zoono over extended periods of time includes:              

Staphylococcus aureus Pseudomonas aeruginosa Escherichia coli (E Coli) Proteus vulgaris Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) Legionella pneumoniae Salmonella cholera suis Cryptosporidium parvum (oocysts) Citrobacter Freudii MS2 Listeria monocytogenes ACM98 Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC 6749 H1N1 Norovirus

Zoono has been tested by numerous independent Laboratories, Universities and test facilities around the globe including the NZ Government Food Safety Authority. It has been proven to have a long lasting antimicrobial effect whilst having a similar LD50 toxicity level to that of Vitamin C. Zoono is made from the most basic of raw organic compounds. Today, it has been re-engineered into a water based solution which provides the antibacterial, antiviral, anti fungal and anti algal protection of a broad spectrum antimicrobial sanitiser that continuously kills for up to one month from each application whilst being totally non-toxic for humans and animals alike. Contd…. 2.

2.

There are currently three main products in the Zoono portfolio: Zoono, ZoonoTex and GermFree24. Zoono is a surfacer sanitiser that has application in almost every lifestyle environment:            

Child care, schools, aged care facilities. Hospitals, Doctor Surgeries, Dentists, Vet Clinics etc Hospitality – Restaurants, Bars and Cafes. Sports Facilities Entertainment and leisure Shopping Malls. Transportation Marine Food preparation. Workplace environments Households Etc, etc

ZoonoTex35 is a textile concentrate that is diluted and embedded into fabrics at the point of manufacture. It provides long lasting antimicrobial properties for up to 75 washes – and is ideal for medical environments where the highest standards of protection are required. In addition, the antiodour qualities of ZoonoTex are also highly suited for use in uniforms / sportswear / casual apparel, etc. GermFree24 is a hand sanitiser that also uses this cutting edge technology to provide germ free protection for 24 hours from just one spray application. Tests have proven GF24’s effectiveness against bacteria and fungi including the super bugs - MRSA (Golden staph), C-Diff and VRE – and for extended periods. There is no other hand sanitiser on the market that can make this claim. Manufacturing: All Zoono products are manufactured to exacting standards in Riverside, California. Zoono today is now the 9th generation of the original technology – the products are now water based with greatly improved efficacy and longevity plus a 3 year shelf life. Testing and Approvals: The approval process for Zoono / GermFree24 has been rigorous and the list of approvals includes NZFSA (New Zealand), AQIS (Australia) and AsureQuality (NZ). Zoono brands have been tested in accredited Laboratories around the globe, including the UK, Germany, NZ, Australia, Turkey, Japan, South Africa, India and the USA. All results are available on request (with summarised results on the website www.zoono.com). IP: Zoono technology and logos are trademarked. Formulations and manufacturing techniques are also protected.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 2 ZOONO - TOP 10 KEY FACTS Zoono is a totally unique anti microbial product. It should not be compared to other antimicrobial products for 10 key reasons: 1.

Zoono does not kill bacteria by poisoning. This means that there is no possibility of bacteria building up any immunity (no super-bugs).

2.

Zoono is colourless and odourless. This means that there are no unpleasant odours / no stains.

3.

Zoono kills mechanically: This means that when Zoono is applied (and allowed to dry) it leaves a thin bonded film that resembles millions of sword shaped road spikes – spikes that attract and kill bacteria. Because Zoono does not change during this process, one single application can last for a month or more (depending on the surface and the application).

4.

Zoono lasts longer than chemical products: Chemicals are effective until such time that the surface is contaminated again. This can occur immediately – even something as innocent as a hand touching the surface can re-contaminate the area with bacteria.

5.

Zoono is safe to use: Zoono has FDA recognition, EPA, TGA and ERMA registrations plus NZFSA Approvals and as such is safe to humans and animals alike. It has a similar “toxicity” rating to Vitamin C.

6.

Zoono is environmentally friendly: Zoono is made from raw organic compounds. There is no harm to drains / waterways if Zoono enters the system. In fact, Zoono helps with the water treatment process..

7.

Zoono does not leach. Because there is no leaching (once dried, there is no transfer from surface to surface), Zoono is not only food safe but safe for use within the critical hygiene areas within child care, aged care centres and hospitals.

8.

Zoono has been extensively tested: These tests have been conducted at several Universities and Laboratories within the USA, Australia and New Zealand. As such, all claims / test results are proven, verified and documented.

9.

Zoono is ready to use. All products are ready for application and do not require mixing or diluting. For best results, apply either as a spray & wipe or via a fogging (misting) application. Depending on the amount applied, Zoono dries in a matter of minutes.

10. Zoono has a proven track record against bacteria, mould, fungi and viruses. A complete list of tested products is available

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 3

Bacteria Eliminated by Germ Free 24 Staphylococcus aureus Elimination by GermFree24 with Zoono active on Skin Pathogens Reported in # Viable Cells/ ml (Shake Flask Test) Time (Minutes)

0

10

30

120

Untreated Skin #1

2,300,000

2,700,000

3,900,000

4,300,000

Treated Skin #2

2,800,000

2,500,000

1,000,000

0

Untreated Skin #3

3,400,000

4,400,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

Treated Skin #4

5,000,000

5,600,000

3,400,000

0

6000000 5000000 4000000 3000000 2000000 1000000 0 0

1

3

12

Untreated Skin #1 Treated Skin #2 Untreated Skin #3 Treated Skin #4

The above chart demonstrates the effectiveness of the Zoono active (the active ingredient in GermFree24), against Staphylococcus aureus. Two samples of pigskin (#2 & 4) were treated with GermFree24 and allowed to dry. Two additional samples of identical pigskin (# 1 & 3) were untreated. The treated and untreated samples were exposed to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and samples taken and analysed at identical times. The testing indicated that the Zoono active ingredient killed all of the bacteria whereas the untreated skin actually allowed the bacteria to increase in population. It should also be noted that the small (~1 sq. in.) of treated pigskin destroyed all S. aureus in the 100 ml. test solutions: 280,000,000 and 500,000,000 bacteria. This demonstrates the ability of the Zoono active to destroy large concentrations of bacteria without being depleted or losing its antimicrobial activity. This test would be similar to swirling a finger treated with GermFree24 in a broth of S. aureus and killing all the bacteria. It should be emphasized that the Zoono active destroys pathogens by a process called lysis, which is the piercing or disruption of the pathogens cell wall membrane. This is unlike the action of antibiotics on the market today which function by binding to the cell or through cellular assimilation to produce cellular death. The lysis of cellular membranes is effective against all types of Staphylococcus aureus, including the drug resistant types such as MRSA. The process of cellular disruption does not increase or promote drug resistance in the contacting pathogens.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 4

TOP 10 SOURCES OF BACTERIA WITHIN HOMES Research has confirmed the Top 10 Most Common Sources for Bacteria within the “typical” New Zealand and Australian household…. (listed in no particular order): 1.

Kitchen Sponges. This “multi purpose” object is often used on benches, servery units, kitchen tables, fridges, microwaves and stoves and even for cleaning up spills etc. This is the single biggest risk for cross contamination within households.

2.

Telephones / Cell Phones: Used by the entire household, the landline phone receiver in particular is the hiding place for numerous bacteria and viruses – most of which are easily spread. And the dialling touch pad is usually just as bad.

3.

Food Preparation Areas: Cutting boards and benches are notorious for harbouring bacteria. Remember that every fresh cut on a cutting board represents a new place for bacteria to hide. Cross contamination is also a high risk around cutting boards, benches etc. .

4.

Toilets /Showers / Bathrooms: Despite very regular attention, the bathroom is still the biggest source of bacteria within the household. Toilets in particular are an obvious source E-Coli. Taps, Shower controls, Toilet lids / seats, flush buttons and light switches are the most common areas for high bacteria readings.

5.

Laundry: The obvious risk comes from dirty laundry, but not only the washing machine / dryer harbours bacteria – one of the biggest locations for cross contamination occurs when clean laundry is folded on the same place where dirty items were sorted an hour ago, prior to placing in the machine.

6.

Home Computer Keyboards: Just like telephones, the common computer /keyboard /mouse is a common source for contaminants as it is shared by all members of the household.

7.

TV Remote: Everyone wants to get their hands on the TV remote and therefore the risk of cross contamination is very high. This is especially so when someone is sick and they recuperate in front of…. the TV.

8.

Purses, Handbags and Wallets: Ladies’ purses / bags are a very risk of cross contamination because they are often placed on floors, tables, chairs etc. But men are also guilty – cash and credit cards kept in wallets (close to the body) are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, all bank notes are recognised as being “filthy.”

9.

Spas, Swimming Pools: Warm water pools / spas etc are recognised as a high risk area.

10. Door Handles & Light Switches:

Believe it or not, the biggest places for cross contamination within homes, is via door handles and light switches.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 5

TOP 10 SOURCES OF BACTERIA AT WORK Research has confirmed the Top 10 Most Common Sources for Bacteria within the “typical” New Zealand and Australian workplaces…. (listed in no particular order): 1.

Telephones / Cell Phones: Used by all staff, the landline phone receiver in particular is the hiding place for numerous bacteria and viruses – most of which are easily spread. And the dialling touch pad is usually just as bad. Cell phones nearly always have the highest bacteria counts but cross contamination is unlikely as they are not shared.

2.

Toilets / Bathrooms: Despite very regular attention, the bathroom is still the biggest source of bacteria within the workplace. Toilets in particular are an obvious source E-Coli. Taps, Toilet lids / seats, flush buttons and light switches are the most common areas for high bacteria readings.

3.

Computer Keyboards: Just like telephones, the computer keyboard /mouse is a common source for contaminants.

4.

Calculators, Photocopiers, Fax machines etc: The risk of cross contamination is very high in these areas as they are used by all staff.

5.

Purses, Handbags and Wallets: Ladies’ purses / bags are a very risk of cross contamination because they are often placed on floors, tables, desks, chairs etc. But men are also guilty – cash and credit cards kept in wallets (close to the body) are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. In fact, all bank notes are recognised as being “filthy.”

6.

Door Handles & Light Switches: Believe it or not, the biggest places for cross contamination within the workplace, is via door handles and light switches.

7.

Coffee Stations / Kitchens / Lunchroom: All “common” areas are recognised high risk areas for bacteria, viruses etc. The main areas of concern include the coffee machine, the dishwasher, the sink, the fridge (handle) and the microwave.

8.

Water Cooler: Despite the fact that most water coolers are refilled from main supply, this is an area that usually produces very high bacteria counts – especially from the reservoir below the filling point. Strange, but true.

9.

Elevator Buttons: Just like the photocopier, elevator buttons are a high risk area simply because they are used by all staff and therefore the cross contamination risk is very high.

10. Shopping Trolleys: On the way home, the biggest risk is the supermarket shopping trolley – especially the model that has a place for small children to sit….. in the very same place where vegetables are sometimes placed en route to the checkout. This risk is compounded when it is noted that the same small children often wear disposable napkins… full of E Coli.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 6 NOROVIRUS __________________________________________________________________________________

 An estimated 53,000 cases of norovirus infection occur in New Zealand annually.  2006, seven deaths were reported  2007, ten deaths were reported Table 1. Norovirus outbreaks in NZ Hospitals and Elderly Care Facilities 2007 Outbreak Setting

Elderly Care facilities

Number of Outbreaks

127

18

145

Number of Lab confirmed cases*

995

418

1413

Number of probable cases

3283

466

3749

Total number of cases

427

884

5162

10

0

Total number of Deaths • •

Hospital ( acute care)

TOTAL

10

At least one norovirus case positive. Source ESR, Porirua Outbreaks reported to Eqisurv in the 2007 calendar year

 Elderly Care facilities accounted for over 85% of all institutional outbreaks reported in 2007 up from 2002 when elderly care facilities accounted for over half of all institutional outbreaks reported.  Data from NZ outbreaks estimate the incubation period for illness is 10-50 hrs (median 32 hrs ) and duration 2-171hrs (median 36hrs)  Illness is generally of short duration (less than 60 hours)  Norovirus is characterised by rapid onset but short duration  The illness can be all or a combination of symptoms. Vomiting is more common in the young and diarrhoea more common in adults  An outbreak can be simply defined as ‘two or more cases of illness linked to a common source’.  An outbreak of norovirus should be suspected where one patient or resident shows signs of gastroenteritis.

2.

 The Dept of Health recommendation is any vomiting staff member or elderly care resident should be considered to have Norovirus infection until proven otherwise  Hospital and nursing home residents represent high-risk populations for the transmission of gastrointestinal illness.  The residents are likely to be relatively immunosuppressed and experience a more complicated clinical course.  Outbreaks spread through person-to-person transmission among residents and patients and are complicated by enclosed living conditions and immobility.  In nursing homes faecal incontinence and reduced mental function may also present challenges to outbreak control.  Noroviruses are environmentally hardy, withstanding heating to 60oC (some even survive the pasteurisation [heating] of milk) freezing (can survive freezing for several months) and chlorine concentrations of up to 10 parts per million.  Antibiotics do not kill viruses so they will not assist someone who is sick with norovirus  Symptoms can be relieved by drinking plenty of fluids and Paracetamol for pain relief  Generally use of an anti-diarrhoeal is unnecessary as symptoms are short lived  A person can be infectious for 1-2 weeks from the start of the illness  Sick people should stay away from work or others etc until they are at least 24-48 hours symptom free  There are many different strains of norovirus and no vaccine to help people develop immunity  Norovirus cannot grow outside the body or in food itself. An infected person easily contaminates any food they come in contact with –as well as any other surfaces. Contaminated food can then infect several people at once.  To date the largest Norovirus outbreak in NZ was on 17th June 2006. It was linked to a catering firm who, contrary to cooking instructions served raw, thawed, imported oysters to corporate fans at a rugby match. An estimated 350 people fell ill with Norovirus infection soon after.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 7 “NZ COMPANY SCORES DIRECT HIT IN WAR AGAINST NOROVIRUS” For a recently established New Zealand Company, it’s a big statement to claim that it has scored a bullseye in the fight against Norovirus, but for Auckland based Zoono Group Limited, all indications are that they have done just that. In early January, the contractor servicing an Auckland Rest Home contacted Zoono seeking assistance in combating a major outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting within the premises. It was reported that over a period of approx 24 hours, a total of 19 cases of a gastro type illness had been noted and in accordance with Ministry of Health protocols (any outbreak of this nature is to be deemed to be Norovirus until proved otherwise) specific protocols were required. As an extra precaution, the contractor asked Zoono to bring their breakthrough antimicrobial treatment to the front line. Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that has been reported in a variety of environments across New Zealand ranging from Scout Jamborees, Corporate Functions, Hospitals, Sports Events, Child Care Facilities and Rest Homes to Restaurants, Bars and even private homes. According to the most recent Ministry of Health estimates, there were 53,000 cases in New Zealand during 2007 alone – of which 10 were fatal. Zoono Group’s Managing Director Paul Hyslop said in response to media enquiries today: ” Our team was contacted one night and asked if they could attend the next morning.” “The premises were treated on three fronts… firstly the total area was treated with a “misted” application of Zoono Z71. In addition to kitchens, day rooms, showers, toilets etc., all residents were temporarily moved from their own rooms to ensure that the misting process reached everywhere – ensuites, fixtures, bedding, carpets and curtains – even personal effects. This process took approx 10 -15 minutes per room.” “All personnel (staff, residents and visitors) were required to use a Zoono companion product GermFree24 – it’s a hand sanitiser that actually lasts for a full 24 hours with just one application. This was introduced in order to ensure everyone had maximum protection”. Hyslop also added: “We also provided all staff members with Zoono to take home and use with their personal laundry – this was done to eliminate the risk of contamination transfer via uniforms, clothing etc.” The situation was closely monitored over the following 14 days with the Rest Home confirming that, from the 19 cases confirmed over the 24 hours prior to treatment, there were no fresh cases reported. Follow up swabs (bacteria counts) were completed by Zoono technicians a week later and all readings supported the conclusion that the remedial programme had been totally successful. In the meantime, ESR tests had confirmed that the outbreak was, in fact Norovirus.

Contd….2.

2.

Said Hyslop: “Clearly, this is a stand-out endorsement for our Company and our products. Within hours of being called in, this Rest Home was successfully treated for a Norovirus outbreak – we understand that this is the first time that Norovirus has been defeated in such a short timeframe within New Zealand. As such, Zoono is pleased that we can now play a part in addressing this problem safe in the knowledge that the combination of Zoono Z71 and GermFree24 defeated Norovirus in very short order.” He added: “As you can imagine, we are all delighted”. The principals: 1. Zoono Group Limited (100% New Zealand owned) was formed in 2008 and has offices in Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles. Media Enquiries to: Paul Hyslop, Managing Director, Zoono Group of Companies, Newmarket, Auckland. Phone +64 9 524 6861

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, New Zealand

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 8 10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MOULD In order to dispel some Myths and confirm some Facts, here is 10 Things to Know about Mould: 1. Mould is a form of Fungi that thrives in moist, humid areas and (unlike plants) does not require sunlight to exist. Therefore, it can be present in dark attics, water closets, under the floors, behind the walls etc. 2. It is generally first noticed because of the presence of a musty, damp, “wet wool” type odour. It soon reaches a stage where it becomes visible to the naked eye – usually in the form of dark spots that are actually concentrations of mould colonies. 3. Mould feeds by sending out fine “shoots” called hyphae that seek out moisture and nutrients. They can grow to over a metre in length and can even penetrate some soft woods, wallpaper and wall linings. 4. Unwanted feed material is filtered out expunged by the mould in the form of aerosolised mist. This requires specialist equipment to detect and identify. 5. Some mould is actually beneficial – for example, the antibiotic penicillin is derived from a specific type of mould. 6. But in general terms, mould should be deemed detrimental to health as many produce mycotoxins. Indeed, the well known “Black Mould” (Stachybotrys) is potentially fatal and has been colloquially called “the new asbestos.” If spores enter the airways, they settle in the lungs and cause pulmonary illnesses (especially lung bleeding) – often with fatal results. 7. Any person working in the area of mould treatment should be cognisant of the fact that mould is dangerous. As such, high level (P2 /P3) respirators are required by all treating personnel, in order to conform with OS&H regulations. 8. Mould spores are in the air around us and travel from area to area via normal air movement or even by attaching themselves to a person’s clothing / to pet fur etc. Once they land on a moist area, they will settle and start to germinate. 9. Bleach is NOT an effective treatment against mould – all it does is strip the colour from the mould to make it “disappear”. The correct products to use are either a 70% alcohol solution – [in NZ this means using clear (surgical) methylated spirits] or if an alcohol mix is not readily available, use a 80% (Naturally Fermented) white vinegar solution mix (available from most supermarkets). Note: Mix percentages are critical. 10. Mildew is also a type of mould. Horticulturalists often use the term ‘mildew’ to refer to growth on (mainly) roses – this is actually “Powdery Mildew” and looks like white blotches on the leaves.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 9 Mould Treatment on Pathways

Recently our Costa Rica Distributor commissioned a field trial to evaluate the effectiveness of Zoono on concrete pathways. This test was completed over a 60 day period at the Monterey Hotel. The pathway was firstly water blasted and allowed to dry. It was then treated with a single application of Zoono’s surface sanitiser Zoono Z-71. The photo below is of the treated area of the pathway - 60 days after the Zoono Z-71 treatment.

As a result of this trial, the Monterey Hotel has decided to include Zoono Z-71 surface treatment as part of their mould remediation programme.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 10. NANOTECHNOLOGY–FACTS OR FICTION Often the mere mention of the term ‘nanotechnology’ prompts associated claims / myths so we explain it here in more basic terms. Nanotechnology is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures of the size 100 nanometers or smaller, and involves developing materials within that size. The Zoonocide we apply contains nanometre sized particles similar in size to the glucose molecule (~1 nm in diameter). However, the Zoonocide molecule cannot exist outside the water environment it is in and so when the water environment is removed (by application and drying), these nanometre-sized molecules react with each other (and the surface they are on) to form extremely large, chemically linked films on surfaces that are measured in millimetres to centimetres and even up to metres on some surfaces. No single molecules (nano-particles) remain after application and drying. Even a single molecule alone, will react with and bond to the surface. The Zoonocide molecules cannot be isolated and captured so there is no way this material, once applied, can possibly be isolated or possibly enter the food chain or the atmosphere, as particles. In essence, the Zoonocide technology involves the application of small molecules to a surface where they react immediately with the surface and each other on drying, to form an insoluble film on the surface - similar to applying a latex paint. This surface is now chemically different than the Zoonocide material that was originally applied. It will not dissolve, flake off or leach. However, the unique nature of this film will interact on the nano-scale with bacteria, viruses (nano-sized) and fungi where it lyses (penetrates) their cell walls causing cellular inactivation and death. Therefore, whilst it is accepted that the “Zoono” particle is nano sized (something the size of 100 nanometers or smaller), the reality is that the Zoono particles are stable / they cannot be isolated / they cannot exist outside water. For these reasons, both Zoono and GermFree24 have received NZFSA (New Zealand Food Safety Authority) Approvals.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 11 COMPARISON WITH BIOSHIELD/AEGIS PRODUCTS

The AEGIS and Bioshield ranges have been available in the USA for some years. The technology is similar but the products differ for some significant reasons – the main one being that AEGIS adds a stabiliser to their product (to make it “stabilised”) compared to Zoono that is “stable.” This becomes a major factor as “stabilised” (in deference to “stable”) products have two downsides - firstly the addition of a stabiliser reduces the effectiveness of the product and secondly the presence of a stabiliser actually limits its shelf life – the clock starts ticking once the concentrate is diluted for use. AEGIS is a group of former Dow Corning exec's that decided to market the active quaternary material after Dow Corning (the original formulator and who did all the older preliminary work on this compound) abandoned the sale of this product prior to their declaring bankruptcy in the early 90's. Dow Corning decided that, following their mammary prothesis debacle, that the company would no longer supply products or chemicals for consumer application. A group of DC exec's then quit and formed AEGIS to market this product, which Dow Corning agreed to manufacture for them (which DC still does today and is their supplier). Today, AEGIS still sells this product, but only in a concentrated, methanol (flammable / poison) solution. AEGIS does not sell a consumer ready-to-use product. They advocate buying their product and the customer diluting it down to make a useable, application-ready product. However, diluting the product to a useable concentration does not make a stable solution. Diluting this product will make a solution that turns cloudy, precipitating out the active after about 24 hours from the time of dilution. So the AEGIS product has to be used immediately after dilution on customer site. BioShield recognised this problem and investigated how to stabilise the diluted, consumer ready material. Emory University in the US determined that if a stabiliser was added, then a stable, waterbased solution could be prepared. To stabilise the active material (quat) in solution, they found that if you added a polyhydric alcohol, a stable solution that does not cloud or precipitate could be prepared. Today, they add the tetrahydroxy alcohol, penta-erythritol (PE) to their product to stabilise it. It is added and is present in their formulations in much greater concentration than the active. (Their active is at 0.75% vs. ours at 0.71% by weight, but the stabiliser is at much higher concentration). When the Bioshield product is applied to a surface and the water evaporated, the PE stabiliser remains behind as it is very high oiling material (bp 276 degrees C at 30 torr). This inhibits good film formation of the quat as the PE interferes with dehydration of the monomeric species to form a good silicate film. Therefore the film, if air-dried readily will wash from surfaces as it is not a good high MW polymer. Additionally, the PE residuals on the "film" is in higher concentration than the quat and has a tendency to mask the activity of the applied quat by covering up the active, antimicrobial ends of the molecule and hindering contact with pathogens. I personally believe that the PE residual may provide a food source for certain bacteria or fungi. Also, who needs a film on a food contact surface that may leach PE into contacting meat surfaces?

Contd…. 2

2.

By comparison, our product (Zoonocide) is a stable (but not stabilised), ready to use solution that exhibits shelf-life stability of years. (We have samples prepared in 1996 that are still stable - the expiration date on our label of 1 year from date of manufacture is an EPA requirement). The preparation of our product is a proprietary process. How we prepare a water solution of the quat, that contains no alcohol or other stabilisers is a secret that sets this product far apart from all other products. The Zoonocide will rapidly cure to a polymeric, additive free film that is stable, will not leach from or wash off surfaces to which it is applied. It is more active than the competitive products as it contains no masking stabilizers to prevent or hinder pathogen contact (slowing lysis). Other quats common on the market, such as BAC (benzyl ammonium chloride) do not form films, are soluble in water, wash/leach from surfaces and have limited pathogen inactivation capacity. These monomeric species get "tangled" up with the pathogen on lysis and are usually pulled from solution. Studies with Zoonocide show that kill rates start almost immediately after they are contacted by pathogens. Kill rates of pathogens after 24 hours are typically 6 log. These kill rates are maintained for up to 28 days. I have attached a study done in Australia on a number of food-borne pathogenswhich you may not have seen.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 12 F O O D S A F E T Y (N Z F S A) A P P R O V A L S Zoonocide Z71 (Zoono) received C22 Approval from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) on 13th August 2008. C 22 1. This may be used in edible areas. 2. Before use, all edible product must be removed from the room. 3. No edible product is permitted in the room while odours remain. 4. Where incidental contact with the food surface occurs, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned and washed to ensure that no residue remains

GermFree24 received C54 Approval from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) on 13th August 2008. C 54 1. This may be used as a hand sanitising compound in all areas. 2. The compound must be supplied from a fixed, metered dispenser located a sufficient distance from the processing line to prevent product contamination. 3. Before the sanitiser is applied, hands must be clean. This includes washing the hands where necessary. 4. After use, the hands need not be rinsed but must be dry before the operator returns to the processing line.

Note: Some competitor products utilising quaternary technology have received an NZFSA C41 Approval. This C41 Approval relates specifically for products that must be diluted prior to use – in other words, they are stabilised products that have a finite shelf life that starts counting down as soon as dilution has taken place. In addition, these products cannot be used near (or on) food packaging material. C 41 1. This may be used in all areas. 2. Before use, all edible product and packaging material must be removed from the room or carefully protected. 3. After use, surfaces must be thoroughly rinsed with potable water before production starts. 4. This product must always be used at dilutions recommended by the manufacturer.

By comparison: Zoono is stable / does not require mixing / ready to use / environmentally friendly / non-leaching and non – toxic.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 13 ATP

THRESHOLD GUIDELINES

In order to maximise the use of your Hygiena ATP machine, an understanding of ATP and the subsequent ATP readings, is required. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a chemical compound present in all living organisms (including bacteria and micro-organisms) as well as once living material (such as food). Detection of ATP on a surface indicates the presence of either bacterial / microbial contamination or food residue that has the potential to support microbe growth. Contaminants are detected by swabbing a subject area and measuring the swab in an ATP machine. The machine produces a numerical result based on RLUs (Relative Light Units) – in essence this is a measurement of a chemical reaction (bioluminescence) that takes place when contaminants are exposed to a particular enzyme (luciferase). The greater amount of contaminants / the greater the presence of luciferase / the greater the reaction / the higher the RLU number. Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to “acceptable” ATP readings. For example, typical guidelines found in the Meat Processing sector (based on stainless steel surfaces) could be Pass – 15, Caution – 30 and Fail >31. A restaurant or a bottling plant could be higher or lower again, as different Industries adopt a higher or lower standard as required. in New Zealand, the following scale is recognised as a General Purpose Threshold Guideline for the use of ATP Machines. 0 - 30

Considered Food Safe

31 - 100

Considered clean

101 - 200

Caution!

201 - 500

Contaminated

501 - 1000

High Risk of Infection

1000 +

Extreme Risk of Infection

QA personnel operating in any “strict hygiene” environments within both New Zealand and Australia will be familiar with the ATP scale and these standard thresholds.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 4, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 14 ATP EXPLAINED What is ATP? ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is present in all organic material and is the universal unit of energy used in all living cells. ATP is produced and/or broken down in metabolic processes in all living systems. Processes such as photosynthesis in plants, muscle contraction in humans, respiration in fungi and fermentation in yeast are all driven by ATP. Therefore, most foods and microbial cells will contain some level of naturally occurring ATP. A typical luminometer (in conjunction with ATP swab) uses bioluminescence to detect residual ATP as an indicator of surface cleanliness. The presence of ATP on a surface indicates the presence of contamination, including allergens and/or bacteria. This implies a potential for the surface to harbour and support bacterial growth. Why is ATP a good measurement of the cleanliness of a surface or water sample? The relationship between the amount of ATP on the sample and the RLU result reading on the luminometer is simple: Contamination = Presence of ATP = More light produced in snap reaction = High RLU reading on Luminometer. The RLU reading is directly proportional to the amount of ATP collected from the sample. A high RLU reading indicates a large amount of ATP at the test location. This in turn indicates the presence of contaminants. Cleaning properly results in less ATP at the location. Less ATP results in less light output during the bioluminescent reaction and consequently, a lower RLU reading. How is ATP detected by the ATP device? Snap swabs are moistened with a buffer that aids in the removal of any biological material (ATP) on either wet or dry surfaces, while also penetrating through any biofilm to expose underlying cells. The ATP from microbiological cells, in addition to free ATP from any food residue, is collected from the sample surface with the swab, and is then available to react with the unique liquid-stable reagent contained in the device. This reagent is derived from a naturally-occurring enzyme (called luciferase) found in fireflies. When this enzyme reacts with ATP on the swab, a low-level of light is produced that can be detected and quantified by the luminometer. The amount of light detected is directly proportional to the amount of ATP on the sample, thus giving you a quantitative measure of the cleanliness of the surface where the sample was taken. What does the number result on the luminometer mean? The luminometer displays results in RLU (Relative Light Unit) values. The light produced from the reaction between ATP and the enzyme in the snap device reagent is emitted in the form of photons. The luminometer detects these photons, quantifies them, and displays them as an RLU value. This RLU value and the ATP on a surface are in a 1:1 ratio. Therefore, more ATP present on a surface means more light is emitted in the snap reaction, giving a greater RLU number detected by the luminometer. How often should critical and regular test sites be swabbed? Critical (high-risk) test sites should be swabbed on a daily basis, after each cleaning or anytime prior to start-up. If a failure is generated, immediate corrective action should be taken and the area re-swabbed until a passing result can be obtained. Corrective action steps may include and additional water rinsing of the entire area or a complete re-cleaning if necessary. Regular (lower-risk) control points may not need to be tested as frequently.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

2.

What is a biofilm? A biofilm is formed when micro-organisms find a receptive environment where they are exposed to food and moisture. The micro-organisms work together as a population and secrete a sticky polymer to form a solid matrix attached to a surface. Once a biofilm is established, it is very difficult to eliminate because the microbes are reinforced and protected by the matrix, making them very resistant to sanitisers. Biofilms are often responsible for poor product quality and/or lost product due to contamination, causing costly damage to both product and equipment. The threat of a biofilm can be eliminated with proper ATP hygiene monitoring, allowing early detection and removal of food residue – thus eliminating the food source for possible biofilm-forming microbes. In addition, snap ATP swabs have a unique detergent on the swab tip that cuts through biofilm and exposes the underlying cells. If a biofilm has already developed, there will be more ATP on a surface, which will result in a higher RLU and it can be detected by the luminometer and eliminated with vigorous cleaning. How do I know I am getting the correct results with the Luminometer and the swabs? The luminometer is programmed to self-calibrate every time the instrument is turned on. During the 60second calibration, it is measuring the temperature and humidity, as well as checking the light sensor. Zoono Group’s ATP devices are regularly checked via a ‘positive and negative control test’ using a manufacturer Calibration Control Kit. Swabs are also randomly checked via the Positive Control Kit.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 15 A T P M A C H I N E S – 10 E A S Y S T E P S. 1. Make sure the correct batteries have been fitted (and the polarity is correct). 2. Turn the ATP machine “On.” It will commence a countdown from 60 seconds as part of its own self - calibration process. When it reaches Zero, it will give a beep. 3. Take a swab from the (chilled) pouch and carefully take a swab of the area to be measured (usually 10cm square). Refer to Figure 1. 4. Insert the swab back into the tube / taking care to avoid touching it with the hands etc. Refer to Figure 2. 5. Snap the top of the tube (as per Figure 3) – this releases the clear liquid into the tube. 6. Gently shake the tube – this covers the end of the swab with the liquid (as per Figure 4). 7. Insert the (complete) tube into the ATP machine as per Figure 5 and close the lid. 8. Holding the ATP Machine upright (to keep the liquid on the swab) press the centre button (marked OK) and the machine will commence a count down from 15 to zero as it reads the bacteria count. When it reaches zero it will beep again (as per Figure 6). 9. The reading on the machine indicates the bacteria count on the swab. 10. Compare this reading to the recognised ATP Scale. 0 -30

Considered Food Safe

31 - 100

Considered clean

101 - 200

Caution!

201 - 500

Contaminated

501 - 1000

High Risk of Infection

1000 +

Extreme Risk of Infection

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland New Zealand.

www.zoono,.com

FACT SHEET No. 16 ATP – RESEARCH ARTICLE (4) ARTICLE: FOOD PREPARATION & MANUFACTURING - RESEARCH ARTICLE Bioluminescence ATP Assay for Estimating Total Plate Counts of Surface Microflora of Whole Cantaloupe and Determining Efficacy of Washing Treatments Journal of Food Protection

1 June 2001, vol. 64, no. 6,

pp. 813-819(7)

Ukuku D.O.[1]; Pilizota V.[2]; Sapers G.M.[3] [1] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038, USA [2] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038, USA [3] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038, USA Abstract: The surface microflora of cantaloupes were estimated using a bioluminescence ATP assay, and results were compared to plate count data. Cantaloupes were treated as follows: (i) water washed, or (ii) washed in solutions of sodium hypochlorite (1,000 mg/liter) or hydrogen peroxide (5%) for 5 min. Bioluminescence ATP assay results showed differences in ATP level/ cm2 of cantaloupes dipped in chlorine or hydrogen peroxide solution; ATP levels in these washed samples were lower than in controls due to antimicrobial action of the treatments on the cantaloupe surface. Linear correlations were found between the bioluminescence ATP assay and aerobic plate counts of unwashed cantaloupe (r2 = 0.995) and those washed with water (r2 = 0.990) determined before storage. Lower correlations between the bioluminescence ATP assay and the aerobic plate counts were observed on cantaloupes stored for 120 h at 20°C (r2 = 0.751) than at 4°C (r2 = 0.980) without washing treatment. Lower correlation at 20°C may be the result of clusters or growth that occurred in chains. ATP levels of washed cantaloupes correlated well with bacterial plate counts (r2 = 0.999). A reliable minimum detectable threshold using the bioluminescence ATP assay was established at 3 log10 fg/cm2 corresponding to 4 log10 CFU/cm2. Bioluminescence ATP assay is not recommended for washed samples where the microbial load is near or below the threshold. Therefore, the bioluminescence ATP assay will be recommended for quick estimation of total microbial load on cantaloupe surfaces where the population is expected to exceed this threshold. The assay can save the industry time by eliminating the required incubation required by the conventional methods. Document Type: Research article ISSN: 0362-028X SICI (online): 0362-028X(20010601)64:6L.813;1Publisher: International Association for Food Protection

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 17 ZOONO

IN ACTION

In order to better understand the principle of “How Zoono Works” we have prepared the following actual photo taken of the Zoono active via an electron microscope. Zoono dries to form a covalent bond with the surface leaving a series of microscopic “road spikes” that attract, pierce and destroy all bacteria and pathogens that come into contact with the surface. This picture was taken in a laboratory environment and shows Zoono in action. The scale represented on the side of the photo is measured in µm – this term is a ‘micrometre’ (often called a micron) and is one millionth of a metre or one thousandth of a millimetre. Put in perspective, a strand of human hair is approx 100 µm (or 100 microns) thick and this photo is only 10 µm x 10 µm square.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 18 TOXICOLOGY–THE FACTS The question is sometimes asked how Zoono is deemed to be “non toxic. In layman’s terms, what does the term “non toxic” mean and how is “toxicity” measured? According to Wikipedia, “Toxicity is the degree to which a substance is able to damage an exposed organism – and this can mean the effect on a whole organism such as an animal, as well as the effect on a substructure of the organism (such as a cell or an organ.” The level of Toxicity is measured via an LD50 scale – this means a Lethal Dose (LD) that affects 50% (50) of the test “population”. The lower the number - the lower the “Toxicity.” So how does this relate to Zoono? Oral LD50 (the point where 50% of the test subjects died) was performed on albino rats (these were standard test subjects as it is hard to get human volunteers!). The LD50 (lethal dose in 50% of the test subjects) was 12.27 grams per kilogram of body weight. This means Zoono Z71 has an LD50 Rating of 12.27. Zoono contains ~7.1 grams/litre of the active material, so it means that a 100 kg person would have to drink 173 litres of Zoono (in one sitting) for it to be fatal 50% of the time. It is noted that Zoono has a similar LD50 rating to that of Vitamin C. As noted by EPA testing (Environmental Protection Agency), Zoono is not an ingestion hazard. Zoono has a C22 Approval and its companion product GermFree24 a C54 Approval from NZFSA (the New Zealand Food Safety Authority).

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 19

G E R M F R E E 24

APPROVALS – UK

In recent weeks, Zoono Pty’s Hand Sanitiser GermFree24 has been the subject of vigorous testing within a United Kingdom Laboratory – whilst GermFree24 has already been tested (and already enjoys Approvals in the USA, Australia and New Zealand), these latest tests were commissioned by the UK authorities in order for the brand to receive Approval for use within Great Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). These tests were undertaken by Abbot Analytical in Wirral – near Liverpool. GermFree24 was evaluated under exacting UK standards and involved physical testing on a sample (human) group and against bacteria and pathogens including E Coli, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus Aureus, Enterococcus hirae, Aspergillus niger and Candida albercans. After the test period (5 minutes after application) GermFree24 results were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Escherichia coli

Staphylococcus aureus

Enterococcus hirae

Na R

5.08 x 106

2.93 x 106

600 8.75 x 105

500 7.02 x 105

Log reduction

>6.71

>6.47

5.94

5.85

TEST RESULTS

Note: Log Reduction >6.71 = a reduction of 99.9999% and 5.85 = 99.999% - after 5 minutes.

As a result, Zoono is pleased to announce that its hand sanitiser Germ Free 24 has now passed all Testing requirements and is now approved for use within in the UK Health System (NHS). This is particularly timely given the imminent arrival of the Northern Hemisphere Flu season. GermFree24 is a Hand Sanitiser that provides maximum protection for a full 24 hours – after a single application. Unlike other hand sanitisers that rely on high concentrations of alcohol to kill bacteria by poison or dehydration, GermFree24 contains the Zoono active – a highly developed Quaternary product that bonds to the skin and remains effective – during the day the hands can even be washed with regular products and towel dried. And best of all, it has passed rigorous dermatology tests in Germany and has the certification to prove it! Copies of all Test Results are available on request.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 20 H A N D L I N G Z O O N O - B E S T PRACTICE Whilst Zoono is a non toxic, non leaching, environmentally friendly, food safe product, there are still some basics that should be observed to maintain the product’s special qualities: Zoonocide Z71 (Zoono) should be stored at temperatures between 3°C and 30°C and away from direct sunlight. Zoono is ready to use – it does not need to be diluted or mixed. Care should be exercised when shipping – do not send by air unless it is specified to the airline that the product should travel in a temperature controlled hold in the aircraft (the same area used for the transportation of pets). If Zoono freezes (it is water based and will freeze at 0°C), the quality (and effectiveness) of the product will be compromised. When decanting Zoono from the 20L shipper into (for example) a 5 Litre pack, only use brand new containers – this ensures that no contaminants are present. Treat the (new) container by simply pouring some Zoono Z71 into it and swirling it around so that the total container is wet from the Zoono product. Return the Zoono product back into the first container and simply place the ‘second’ container upside down – this allows any residual product to drain away and also ensures the product has time to dry. Zoono must dry in order for it to be effective – a process that takes approx 10 minutes. All (Zoono) containers must be correctly labelled by Law. For example, if decanting into a new 5L container, make sure that the correct Zoono label is affixed to the new container. Additional labels can be obtained from the Zoono office in Auckland. It is not recommended to use plastic taps when using Zoono 20Litre shippers – taps are easily knocked and can leak. Zoono is food safe and environmentally friendly – if product inadvertently spills into a drain, there is no reporting or remedial requirement. Check out all Zoono MSDS information – this can be downloaded from the website www.zoono.com

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 21 W O R K I N G W I T H Z O O N O - B E S T PRACTICE Whilst test results confirm that Zoono Z71 is a non toxic, non leaching, environmentally friendly, food safe product, it is recommended that all users / applicators observe best practice at all times. If applying via a fogging / misting process, it is recommended that the spray is adjusted to deliver at ~20 microns. This ensures maximum coverage at the most economical rate. Direct contact of Zoono products with the eyes may cause irritation with possible permanent injury. It is therefore a requirement that when applying Zoono products by way of spraying, fogging or aerosol (i.e. where the active ingredient(s) are or may be airborne initially), that you wear appropriate goggles as a precautionary measure. If Zoono products do come into direct contact with the eyes, follow the instructions on the Zoono label - remove any contact lenses, gently rinse the eyes with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek advice from a doctor or health professional. When using a fogger / misting machine, it is recommended that the operator wears a suitable face mask. Whilst the product is food safe and non toxic, it is noted that in rare instances Zoono can prompt an allergic reaction. When Zoono professionals are undertaking mould work (in particular the physical removal of mould from a surface), the operator is required to wear respiratory protection. New Zealand, the Department of Labour’s OS&H Regulations stipulate the use of a P2 / P3 High Efficiency Particle Respirator (as per the photo). This particular respirator comes complete with the recommended (HEPR) cartridge and is of such quality that it is recommended for use in areas containing asbestos. Note: These P2 / P3 cartridges are designed to filter out very small particles (including mould spores) but are not suitable for gas environments. The usual duration (varies due to use) of the HEPR cartridge is ~ 30 – 40 hours. Any type of respirator may impose undue stress on some users - if in doubt, ask your health professional for advice. Always follow Manufacturer Specifications and Recommendations for all Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 22 ZOONO - THE PRODUCTS

5 Litre

50ml Atomiser

500ml Trigger Pack

150ml Atomiser

Quick Dry Aerosol

800ml Automatic DIspenser

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 23 POULTRY HATCHERY - CFU RESULTS

Table 1 – Recovery of S. typhimurium from plastic trays treated with Zoono Z-71 compared to non-treated trays.

S. Typhimurium Recovery

Recovery Time

(SMID2 370/24hrs) Control

Reduction

% Reduction

Zoono Z-71

cfu/ml

Log10

cfu/ml

Log10

Log10

0hr

6.15E+06

6.79

2.82E+06

6.45

0.34

54.173%

1hr

5.58E+06

6.75

9.77E+05

5.99

0.76

82.487%

2hrs

5.72E+06

6.76

7.41E+05

5.87

0.89

87.040%

3hrs

3.83E+06

6.58

2.57E+05

5.41

1.17

93.289%

4hrs

4.06E+06

6.61

1.58E+05

5.2

1.41

96.096%

24hrs

3.31E+05

5.52

1.66E+03

3.22

2.30

99.499%

48hrs

7.76E+04

4.89

7.41E+01

1.87

3.02

99.905%

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 24 Z O O N O - pH L E V E L An integral part of the manufacture process for all “chemical products” is the publication of a covering Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) that identifies the composition of products in the finished product / the characteristics of the products / the handling requirements and any identified (potential) health hazards. In effect, this MSDS is a “birth certificate” prepared by the manufacturer and written in support of the products that are produced on their premises. A recent query has been raised why the Zoono Z71 MSDS advises that the pH level of Zoono is “unknown” The reality is that the pH level of Zoono is written as “unknown” simply because it can fluctuate depending on ambient temperature and atmospherics. The pH (Acidity / Alkalinity) of the product can be expected to be neutral (it is 98% ionised water) but it cannot be declared at pH 7 on the MSDS because this can vary - for example, the pH of pure water (H20) is 7 at 25°C but when exposed to the carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere this equilibrium results in a pH of approximately 5.2. This is largely due to the association of pH with atmospheric gases and temperature. Therefore, a product can leave the manufacturing facility in Riverside with a pH of 7 and then be opened and tested in NZ to record a pH of < 6 or even >7. For these reasons, the MSDS states that it is “unknown” because it is not constant (and is actually that – “unknown”). In the unlikely event that you are asked about pH levels, feel free to circulate this Fact Sheet / explanation.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 25 ZOONO FOR LAUNDRY Zoono is a totally unique antimicrobial product as it is not a chemical that kills bacteria by poisoning with toxins, but rather a bonded film that resembles millions of sword shaped road spikes – spikes that attract and kill bacteria. Because Zoono does not change during this process, one single application can last for a month or more (depending on the surface and the application). It carries both NZFSA and ERMA Approvals in New Zealand. Zoono has been proven to be highly effective in a variety of applications. As it has been tested to bond to fabrics, one such application is to use Zoono within the Laundry process in order to both eliminate any bacterial contaminants from fabrics including health care uniforms, lab coats, bedding, sheets, pillows, towels etc, and to also provide an ongoing protective barrier against cross contamination. Tests to date confirm that Zoono remains highly effective for approx 50 regular washes after treatment. How to use? 1. Zoono can be used in both warm and cold washes. It is simply used as a substitute for a fabric softener during the rinse cycle. 2. For a “normal” wash (4-5 kilos), use 2 caps of Zoono in the same manner as using a fabric softener 3. Fabrics can be dried in the normal manner – including the use of a tumble drier. 4. Once dry, the Zoono will have infused into the fabric and will provide an ongoing protection. 5. In extreme cases such as contagious, outbreak scenarios, it is recommended that until the situation has passed, Zoono should be added to all laundry on a weekly basis. Zoono is colourless, odourless, non-leaching, environmentally safe, non corrosive and whilst completely safe for humans and animals, is deadly for a wide range of micro organisms including bacteria, mould, fungi and viruses. It has similar “toxicity” levels to that of to Vitamin C so can be used in total confidence. For maximum antimicrobial treatment and prevention, it is recommended that the GermFree24 hand sanitiser product is also used. GermFree24 provides is a complete hand sanitising solution that lasts for a full 24 hour period – with just a single application. GermFree24 (as its name implies) will not lose its effectiveness if the hands come into contact with contaminants nor will it be affected by normal washing and towel drying of the hands.

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 26 Snapshot of Test Results Whilst Zoono has been successfully tested against literally scores of pathogens, this Fact Sheet summarises Test Results of a single application of Zoono against key pathogens. The Tests were taken at the time of the initial test / then 14 days after the application of Zoono and finally, 28 days after the single application of Zoono. In Summary:

Target Organism

Bacteria % Reduction

After 14 days

After 28 days

Staphylococcus aureus

99.98

99.97

99.98

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

99.94 99.99 99.92

99.96 99.98 99.93

99.96 99.98 99.93

Methycillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

99.99

99.98

99.96

Vancomycin Resistant

99.97

99.97

99.96

99.99

99.98

99.98

Escherichia coli Proteus vulgaris

Enterococcus (VRE) Citrobacter Freudii

All Tests were completed under strict controls in accredited Laboratories. The highlighted column (right) confirms that Zoono was still able to reduce (for example) freshly inoculated E Coli by 99.98% - a full 28 days after the Zoono had been applied. Zoono is a water based antimicrobial product that inactivates pathogens via lysis (the same principle as a pin popping a balloon). Because Zoono does not rely on alcohol to poison /dehydrate pathogens, it is impossible to mutate – no superbugs. Zoono is highly effective against a variety of both gram negative and gram positive bacteria, yeasts, fungi, mould and viruses. It is food safe (NZFSA) and safe to use around people, plants and pets alike. For further information, check out the Zoono website: www.zoono.com

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 27 S W I N E F L U (H1N1) P A N D E M I C B A S I C S On June 11, 2009 the World Heath Organisation (WHO) increased the H1N1 Flu threat level to Phase 6 indicating a global pandemic. Phase 6 is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region and community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region. The latest information in the U.S. is available from the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). WHAT IS H1N1 PANDEMIC FLU? H1N1 Pandemic Flu is a respiratory disease caused by an Influenza A virus. It primarily impacts pigs, which can also become infected by avian (bird) and human strains of influenza. If pigs are infected with multiple strains, the strains may combine to create a strain that is more easily transmitted among humans. In the 2009 outbreak, it appears viruses from two sources combined in pigs to create a new strain to which humans have not previously been exposed. Consequently, the ultimate severity of the disease is not known. SYMPTOMS AND TRANSMISSION Symptoms of H1N1 Pandemic Flu are typical of seasonal influenza, including fever (usually high), headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat and chills. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting. In rare cases, the disease can progress to pneumonia and respiratory failure, leading to death. According to the CDC and WHO, people cannot be infected by eating pork or through contact with pigs. Transmission typically occurs through direct contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. TREATMENT Human seasonal influenza vaccine is not likely to protect humans from the current H1N1 influenza strain, so steps are being taken to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine. The CDC has indicated the antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu TM) and zanamivir (Relenza TM) can lessen the symptoms of this virus. The CDC recommends following precautions for seasonal influenza to control spread of disease, including vigilant personal hand hygiene, use of hand sanitizers and staying home when ill. Additional infection control precautions are very important, including thorough disinfection of contaminated surfaces and proper cough etiquette.

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 28 ZOONO FOR SPORTSWEAR Zoono is a totally unique antimicrobial product as it is not a chemical that kills bacteria by poisoning with toxins, but rather a bonded film that resembles millions of sword shaped road spikes – spikes that attract and kill bacteria. Because Zoono does not change during this process, one single application can last for a month or more (depending on the surface and the application). It carries both NZFSA and ERMA Approvals in New Zealand (and is considered “Food Safe”). Zoono has been proven to be highly effective in a variety of applications. As it has been tested to bond to fabrics, one such application is to use Zoono when laundering sports apparel. Once infused into the fabric, it not only eliminates pathogenic contaminants and provides an ongoing protective barrier against bacterial cross contamination, but also prevents the development of mould. Tests to date confirm that Zoono remains highly effective for approx 50 regular washes after treatment. How to use? 1. Zoono can be used in both warm and cold washes. It is simply used in lieu of a fabric softener during the rinse cycle. 2. For a “normal” wash (5 – 6 kg) use 2 caps of Zoono (approx 25ml) in the same manner as you would add a fabric softener. Remember that no fabric softener is to be used. 3. Sportswear can be machine washed as per normal practise. 4. It can then be dried in the normal manner also – including the use of a tumble drier. 5. Once dry, the Zoono will have infused into the fabric and will provide an ongoing protection. 6. In cases where clothing is ‘shared’ by different users (such as sport team apparel), it is recommended that Zoono is added to laundry on a weekly basis. Zoono is colourless, odourless, non-leaching, environmentally safe, non corrosive and whilst completely safe for humans and animals, is deadly for a wide range of micro organisms including bacteria, mould, fungi and viruses. It has similar “toxicity” levels to that of to Vitamin C so can be used in total confidence. For a full list of pathogens that are killed or inactivated by Zoono, please visit our website.

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 29 Dust Mites The question is sometimes asked whether Zoono is effective against dust mites. Dust mites actually live on skin flakes, which are broken down by special mould fungi such as Aspergillus repens. In order to break the food chain, Zoono attacks and kills the fungi and therefore the dust mites can not survive. Therefore, a Zoono treatment of textiles, mattresses, bedding etc will indirectly eliminate dust mites. Zoono is a broad spectrum product that provides long lasting protection against a variety of pathogens including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, mould, fungi, yeasts and viruses. Applied via a fogging process or even a topical application, Zoono has been proven to last for 75 washes (at 60°C) on textiles and to provide maximum protection for up to 28 days on hard surfaces. Because Zoono kills by lyses (a principle likened to a pin popping a balloon), there is no possibility of mutation (no superbugs) and as the product does not change during this process, it continues to provide maximum protection for extended periods - after just one application. It is environmentally friendly, does not leach, does not contain silvers or other toxins and does not kill bacteria by poisoning or dehydration. As such, Zoono is safe to use around people, pets and plants alike. For further details, please visit our website www.zoono.com

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 30 GERMFREE24 - R E S U L T S A F T E R 2 4 H O U R S We have received the following Test Results from Abbott Laboratories (UK) confirming the effectiveness of GermFree24 on the hands over a full 24 hour period. Principle of Test: The number of test organisms released from the fingertips of artificially contaminated hands is assessed before and after the hygienic hand rub. The ratio of the two resulting values is called the reduction factor. It represents a measure of antimicrobial activity of the hygienic hand wash product tested. A number of subjects were used because of the possible variation in bacterial flora found on human skin. In this case a total of ten (10) healthy adults were chosen comprising of two teams of 5, each one carrying out the test procedure in precisely the same way as the others. Hygienic Hand Rub Procedure: The volunteers were asked to wash their hands in soft soap to remove extraneous bacteria from the skin and to dry each hand with a paper towel. Each of 5 subjects was asked to spray approximately 3ml of Germ Free 24 into the cupped hands and have it rubbed vigorously for 1 minute onto the skin up to the wrists in accordance with the standard hand rub procedure. This was carried out on one hand for each of the volunteers at 8 am on day 1. The treated hand was allowed to air dry for 5 minutes before determination of the number of residual bacteria remaining on the skin. The process was also carried out for a second batch of 5 volunteers at 4 pm the same day. After treatment of one hand for each of the volunteers they were asked to go about their normal daily business but avoiding washing of the hands wherever possible.

As can be seen, tests of the untreated hands confirmed the expedential growth of pathogens compared to the long term (24 hour) effectiveness of the GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser. Contd…2.

2.

In terms of the percentage reduction of pathogens, this second graph demonstrates the effectiveness of GermFree24 over the same 24 hour period:

After a full 24 hours, the Tests confirmed a pathogenetic reduction of 99.24% on the hands treated with the GermFree24 hand sanitiser – after a day of normal activities. GermFree24 is also marketed under other names including Keimfrei24 and Bakteriefri24 – all products use the same, NZFSA Approved, Zoono Z71 active ingredient. GermFree24 has received Approvals, Registrations and Listings in the USA, Australia, UK and New Zealand. It is non toxic, non leaching, environmentally friendly and can be seen above, one application provides maximum protection for a full day.

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 31 HALAL The question has been raised whether Zoono Z71 is allowed to be used within a Halal facility.

Firstly, from Wikipedia:

Halal,ḥalāl, Halaal; means lawful or legal) is an Arabic term designating any object or an action which is permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic Law. It is the opposite of haraam. The term is widely used to designate food seen as permissible according to Islamic law (Sharia). In Arabic -speaking countries, the term is used to describe anything permissible under Islamic law, in contrast to haraam, that which is forbidden. This includes dietary laws. In non-Arabic speaking countries, the term is most commonly used in the narrower context of just Muslim dietary laws, especially where meat and poultry are concerned. Islam has laws regarding which foods can and cannot be eaten and also on the proper method of slaughtering an animal for consumption, known as dhabihah. Zoono is a non leaching, food safe surface antimicrobial product and so the question of ‘suitability’ was taken to the Federation of Islamic Associations in Wellington, NZ. It has been confirmed to our microbiologist (Gary Broome) that the key factor relating to suitability is the C-22 Approval granted to Zoono Z71 by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA). In essence, as long as the meat or poultry is handled and slaughtered in accordance with Halal requirements (and Zoono Z71 remains an NZFSA [C-22] approved product), then it can be used within a Halal facility.

Zoono Limited, Level 2, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 32

99.99% TEST RESULT AGAINST H1N1 (SWINE FLU) On June 11, 2009 the World Heath Organisation (WHO) increased the H1N1 Swine Flu threat level to Phase 6 indicating a global pandemic. Phase 6 is characterised by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region and community level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region.

Following this elevation in status, the anti bacterial hand sanitiser GermFree24 (also marketed as Keimfrei24) was submitted for independent laboratory testing in Germany. The tests were conducted at one of the few facilities world-wide authorised to test against the Influenza A H1N1 (swine) strain – a process that is conducted under high security (quarantine) conditions.

As a result of these tests, we are pleased to confirm that Zoono’s GermFree24 hand sanitiser product (containing the Zoono active ingredient) recorded a 4.63 log reduction rate against H1N1 Swine Flu after an exposure time of just 60 seconds.

In layman’s terms, this means that GermFree24 delivered a 99.99% reduction rate against the Influenza A H1N1 Swine Flu virus after one minute. All testing was undertaken using the same (undiluted) product sold internationally as GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser.

GermFree24 sanitisers are unique in that they provide maximum protection against a variety of pathogens for up to 24 hours – with just a single application.

GermFree24 is available in handy, atomiser packs and either wall mounted or free standing dispensers.

For further details on these tests, check out the website www.zoono.com.

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 33 TEXTILE TREATMENTS WITH ZOONO The active agent in Zoono (3-trihydroxysilylpropyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride) has successfully been applied to fabrics and textiles since the late1970’s. Dow Corning obtained the original EPA registration and applied the technology successfully as an antimicrobial finish for textiles. This treatment was to preserve fabrics against rotting and mildew stain, especially in storage. It also inhibited odour development resulting from biological growth - especially in fabrics exposed to perspiration. Early successful commercial application of this new product was ‘no foot-odour’ BioGuard socks, which retained anti-organoleptic activity through multiple washings. Dow Corning abandoned sale of this product in 1992 due to corporate bankruptcy and a refocus of corporate strategy on commercial production and sale of silicone products. A fresh EPA registration for this product was obtained in 2002 and has resulted in continued application of the active (3-trihydroxypropyl silyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride) under the Zoono registration for textile treatments and a wide variety of other applications to various substrates. As the active ingredient in Zoono is exactly the same as originally introduced and registered by Dow Corning, all previous testing results remain valid. Following scientific protocols, original research results are typically cited. Newer studies reporting similar results are typically not reported. Zoono provides a durable antimicrobial finish for textiles. It is effective in significantly reducing common odour causing bacteria (Table I). The durability of Zoono treatment on treated fabrics (Table II) demonstrates that after 40 complete wash cycles the activity of the treatment was not diminished and remained as active as before the washings. Additionally, common commercial laundry detergents did not reduce the antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial effects of Zoono treatments are not reduced over a 24 hour period of extractions involving 130,000 oscillations using water or simulated sweat.

2. Treatment with Zoono has successfully been applied to cotton, cotton/polyester sheeting, outerwear fabrics, underwear, nylon hosiery, non-woven fabrics, mattress ticking, throw rugs and filter fabrics. Applications to carpeting exhibits sustained aero-microbiological reductions of fungi in commercial buildings (Table A). This study is one of 10 studies with similar results demonstrating reduction in fungal contamination in the air simply by treating carpeting with Zoono. Similar reductions in bacteria in treated carpeting was also demonstrated (Tables C, D). Complete fungal reduction in treated carpet over 12 weeks was also demonstrated. (Table B) Zoono has also demonstrated to suppress fungal growth on wall board, cinder block and other construction materials. Zoono treatments of new home construction have enabled 15 year guarantees (American MoldGuard, 2005) of no fungal contamination after treatment, demonstrating the durability of Zoono treatments. (Tables are attached)

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 33 - Continued… ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT FOR FABRICS AND TEXTILES Treatment of textiles and fabrics with Zoono followed by thorough drying to bond the Zoono active agent to the material produces a durable, antimicrobial coating, called a finish, to the fabric. The bonded finish protects against odour causing bacteria, mildew and mould which can cause deterioration and discoloration of the material. Zoono is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria. Odour causing bacteria commonly found in fabrics and apparel such as sheeting, hosiery, outerwear, underwear non-woven fabrics, etc. are effectively reduced by treated fabrics. TABLE I (Common Odour Causing Bacteria Reduction) Organism Micrococcus sp. Staphylococcus epidermis Enterobacter aglomerans Acinetobacter calcoaceticus Staphylococcus aureus

% bacterial Reduction 99 96 90 99 99

For an antimicrobial finish on treated fabrics to be useable for the life of the article, it must be durable to repeated laundering and retain its activity. The following Table II demonstrates the durability of treated fabrics after repeated washing cycles. TABLE II (Laundered Fabric Durability) No. of Wash Cycles 0 1 20 40

% Bacterial Reduction 97.9 98.5 99.7 98.1

Contd….

FACT SHEET No. 33 - Continued… Common household detergents may be used to launder treated fabrics and textiles without loss of antimicrobial activity. TABLE III

(Detergent effects on Antimicrobial Activity of Treated Fabrics) Detergent Water Only Tide Arm & Hammer Dynamo Cheer

% Bacterial Reduction* 99.6 99.2 98.9 98.6 99.2

*Testing reflects bacterial reductions of treated fabrics after laundering with the specified detergents

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 33 - Continued… CARPET APPLICATIONS

Comparison of carpets treated with Zoono active material vs. untreated TABLE A (Antibacterial Activity of Nylon Carpet in a 36 month Use Study at Duke Hospital) Sample

Percent Bacterial Insult Reduction*

Nylon Carpet

Before Installation

12 months Wear

22 months Wear

36 months Wear

Untreated

0

0

2.3

3.8

Treated

85

91

78

87

*Bacterial Inoculum Insult was Klebsiella Pneumoniae The above study is representative of sustained aero-microbiological reductions utilizing silane-modified quaternary amines (Zoonocide). The above findings represent one study of ten performed on schools, hospitals and commercial buildings across the U.S. Studies were conducted in KY, FL, NY, CO and OH. (Kemper, White & Gettings, J. Indus. Microbiology, 31 (5), 1990).

TABLE B Antifungal Activity on Treated and Untreated Nylon Carpet (Twelve -Week Tropical Chamber Exposure) Percent Covered by Fungi at No. of Weeks Exposure* Sample

1 Week

6 Weeks

12 Weeks

Nylon Control/Untreated Unwashed, No Shampooing 7 Shampoo Cycles 14 Shampoo Cycles 21 Shampoo Cycles

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

Nylon/Treated Unwashed, No Shampooing 7 Shampoo Cycles 14 Shampoo Cycles 21 Shampoo Cycles

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

*Samples were rechallenged with a spore suspension of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium variable at 3, 6 and 9 weeks of the study. Cleaning agents used were Fiber Fresh, Woolite.

Contd…

FACT SHEET No. 33 - Continued… TABLE C Control of Bacterial Clinical isolates on Rugs Sample

Organism

% Reduction

Control/Untreated Treated Inoculum

Streptococcus fecalis

0 100 0

Control/Untreated Treated Inoculum

Staphylococcus aureus

0 100 0

Control/Untreated Treated Iniculum

Escherichia coli

20 99+ 1

Control/ Untreated Treated Inoculum

Klebsiella oxytoca

47 100 1

TABLE D Bacterial Adaptation Studies on Treated/Untreated Carpet Percentage Reduction (Shake Flask Test) Klebsiella Pneumoniae 2 3 4

Exposure*

1

Untreated Nylon Carpet

0

0

0

Treated Nylon Carpet

99.8

99.6

98.8

Staphylococcus aureus 2 3 4

5

1

5

0

0

10

5

9

13

26

97.5

99.9

98.6

97.5

96.3

99.4

98.8

* Shake Flask Survivors were used for subsequent exposures

Ends.

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 34 ZOONO TEST RESULTS AGAINST HOUSEHOLD ITEMS Gram Negative bacteria have been known to cause infection and are responsible for fever-induction. The fever-induction (pyrogenic) effect is due to the presence of an endotoxin within their cell wall. Most Gram Negative bacilli are from human or animal fecal or GI tract origins. Persistent elimination of these harmful bacteria through treatment of various common household articles was demonstrated by treatment with the active Zoono material. The following table (TABLE 1) illustrates the reduction in number of gram negative bacteria (reported as Gram Negative Cocci in colony forming units, CFU) from identical treated and untreated surfaces, substrates and articles commonly present in households. Results are reported in CFU/plate, CFU/area (CFU/plate X Dilution Factor) and CFU/Culture (CFU/area X sample quantity). TABLE 1 Article

Untreated Article

CFU/plate

CFU/culture

CFU/sq in

Treated Article

CFU/plate

CFU/culture

CFUsq/in

528

5280

1760

0

0

0

53

530

177

0

0

0

Ceramic Countertop

548

5480

1830

0

0

0

Shower Curtain

432

4320

1440

0

0

0

Stove

393

3930

1310

0

0

0

Wood Cabinet

432

4320

1440

0

0

0

Door Knob

393

3930

1310

0

0

0

25

250

83

0

0

0

Sink Toilet

Stair Rail

Independent Testing performed by DataChem Laboratories, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Date of Testing Report: 6/26/05

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 35

‘GRAM NEGATIVE’ Versus ‘GRAM POSITIVE’ BACTERIA On our website (and on our lists of pathogens) there is a reference to “Gram Positive” and “Gram Negative” Bacteria. This Fact Sheet explains this terminology. The terms ‘Gram Negative’ or ‘Gram Positive’ are actually references from a staining procedure used to determine the cell wall composition of unknown bacteria – a procedure that helps determine the appropriate antimicrobial treatment prescribed by physicians. This identification process is named after its inventor, Danish scientist Hans Gram (1853–1938). Whilst working in Berlin in 1884, he accidentally stumbled on a method which still forms the basis for the identification of bacteria today…. whilst examining lung tissue from patients who had died of pneumonia, he discovered that certain stains were preferentially taken up and retained by bacterial cells. Over the course of the next few years, Gram developed a staining procedure which divided almost all bacteria into two large groups (Negative and Positive) and the process became known as the Gram stain. Individual bacterial cells are hard to see, partly because they are very small, but also because they are almost transparent. In addition to magnification under a microscope, optical tricks must also be used to be able to see them. In general, Gram Positive bacteria turn blue and Gram Negative bacteria turn red after staining with this method. The difference in Gram-reaction of these two groups of bacteria is due to a difference in the structure of their cell walls (Gram Negative bacteria have thin walls compared to Gram Positive). This difference in colour (when examined under a microscope) helps in the identification process of bacterium that has been isolated from a specimen. This allows the physician to prescribe the treatment that ‘matches’ the bacteria. The outer membrane of Gram Negative bacteria plays a very important role in the survival of the bacteria under environmental pressure. For example, the outer membrane serves as a barrier for the bacteria against the destructive effects of various antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, penicillin, amoxicillin) (Shagam 2006; Wheelis 2007). Clearly this identification process is very important – that’s why the Gram stain method (that was discovered in 1884) is still used today. Note: These terms do not refer to the electrical charge of the bacteria as both Gram Negative and Gram Positive bacteria are negatively charged. As such, they will all be attracted by the positively charged nitrogen molecule within the Zoono “sword.”

Zoono Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 36 Hospital Test Results – Patient Rooms / TV Remotes A new study by University of Arizona Microbiology Professor Chuck Gerba -- "The Germ Doctor" -- ranks the TV remote control as the highest carrier of bacteria in a patient's hospital room compared to the toilet bowl handle, bathroom door and call buttons, among others. Even more disturbing is the detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) on the remote control. As an antibiotic- resistant bacteria, MRSA is a leading cause of infection and death in hospitals. The study involved 15 hospital rooms to determine if the greatest number of bacteria in a patient's room occurs on the remote control. Samples were tested for total bacteria numbers, and of the 28 remotes, 20 had been used by multiple patients and 8 remotes were single-patient use. The total average bacteria on sites in the hospital room were 91, compared to the average for the remote controls at 320. The sites tested included the hand rail, call button, tray table, door knob in/out, bath door out, tap handle and toilet flush handle. Additionally, the study involved 20 samples of newly opened disposable remotes. In this case, the average total bacteria for the newly opened disposable remote controls were significantly less at 8.35. "At a time when more and more patients are increasingly becoming ill and dying due to hospital-acquired infections, this study has undisputedly identified a leading source of bacteria," said Dr Gerba. "The positive aspect of this study is that there is an easy solution. Since newly opened disposable remotes showed a very small level of bacteria, perhaps we can quickly fix the problem with disposable remote controls." According to a review published in the New England Journal of Medicine, infections acquired by patients in hospitals are estimated to affect 2 million people resulting in 90,000 deaths, annually. Patients with hospital-acquired infections spend an average of 14 days in the hospital compared to other patients and account for more than $9.5 billion in excess medical bills. Even more staggering was the detection of MRSA bacteria on television remote controls in patient hospital rooms. MRSA cannot be treated with antibiotics and is of major concern to hospital staff as a leading cause of hospital- acquired infection and death. "These numbers clearly show the remote controls as having three times greater levels of bacteria than any other site in the hospital room," said Dr. Gerba. "Five years ago, The Institute of Medicine called for a national effort to make healthcare safe, especially for hospital infections. If there are more bacteria on the remote control verses the toilet bowl flusher, then we need to do a better job to offset infection and deaths."

Study Results:

•

The average total bacteria on the remote controls was 320.

•

The average total bacteria on sites in the hospital room was 91.

•

The average total bacteria on newly opened disposable remotes was 8.35.

•

There was no detection of Staphylococcus Aureus on newly opened disposable remotes.

•

MRSA bacteria were present on television remote controls in patient hospital rooms

Source: KOLD TV – Arizona.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 37 CAMPUS TRIALS OF ZOONO ACNE PRODUCT Background: In late 2011, a trial of Zoono’s (proposed) Acne Treatment product (SkinClear) was trialled on campus at the UCLA, Los Angeles. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in the Westwood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California, USA. It is the second oldest of the ten campuses of the University of California system. UCLA offers 337 undergraduate and graduate degree programmes in a wide range of disciplines. With an approximate enrolment of 28,000 undergraduate and 12,000 graduate students, UCLA is the university with the largest enrolment in the state of California and the most popular university in the United States by number of applicants. The group selected for the trial were of different backgrounds / ethnicities / skin types and age groups. However, all subjects had an ‘acne problem’ of some kind / with varying degrees of infection and they volunteered to use and provide feedback on the new Zoono product. Their participation in the trial was conditional upon all individual details remaining unpublished and anonymous.

Trial Objectives: The objectives of the trial were to: (a) Test the product for efficacy across various skin types / age groups and ethnicities; (b) Assess the effectiveness / acceptability of the product as a potential OTC consumer product; (c) Provide feedback whether this product would be considered as an alternate to the products they were currently using to treat against acne.

What is Acne? Acne vulgaris (cystic acne or simply acne) is a common human skin disease, characterised by areas of skin with seborrhea (scaly red skin), comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules (pinheads), pustules (pimples), nodules (large papules) and possibly scarring. Acne affects mostly skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in non-inflammatory forms. The lesions are caused by changes in pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland, changes that require androgen stimulation. Acne occurs most commonly during adolescence and often continues into adulthood. In adolescence, acne is usually caused by an increase in testosterone, which accrues during puberty, regardless of sex. For most people, acne diminishes over time and tends to disappear — or at the very least decreases — by age 25. There is, however, no way to predict how long it will take to disappear entirely, and some individuals will carry this condition well into their thirties, forties, and beyond. Some of the large nodules were previously called "cysts" and the term nodulocystic has been used to describe severe cases of inflammatory acne. The "cysts" (or boils that accompany cystic acne), can appear on the buttocks, groin, and armpit area and anywhere else where sweat collects in hair follicles and perspiration ducts. Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissue than does common acne. Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and in very extreme cases, depression or suicide. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure. Early and aggressive treatment is therefore advocated by some to lessen the overall longterm impact to individuals.

What is Zoono? Zoono is a water-based antibacterial product that is applied as a mist and allowed to dry to form a covalent bond with both hard and soft surfaces. Once dry, the surface resembles a bed of microscopic ‘pins’ that attract, pierce and kill pathogens via ‘lysis’ – a principle similar to that of a pin popping a balloon. And, just as the balloon cannot be reformed once destroyed, the same applies with the pathogen – this means that the pathogen cannot develop any immunity to the Zoono active (the ‘pin’) and this also means that there is NO mutation and NO superbugs! Zoono has been tested in laboratories around the world and enjoys numerous approvals – including New Zealand Food Safety Authority (C-22), AsureQuality (use in Dairy environments), AQIS (Australia), Environmental Risk Management Authority (NZ) and is even approved for use in Organic environments. The Zoono active is present in all Zoono products including Zoono Z-71 surface sanitiser, Zoono’s GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser, ZoonoTex concentrate etc.

The Trial Participants: A total of 20 participants were identified. All had acne to varying degrees and none had been able to significantly improve their condition via the use of OTC products. In one particular case, the participant had also been subjected to a course of steroid injections in an effort to improve his condition. In the case of this particular participant, even steroids had not been able to help. For the sake of these trials, participants were assigned numbers 1 to 20. At the conclusion of the trial, one participant consented to have his photographs used for promotional purposes. However, it was agreed that his name and address would not be published.

The Trial: 1. The trial was conducted over a 14 day period. 2. All participants were assessed at the commencement of the trial. 3. All participants were fully briefed on the background of Zoono products and the product being evaluated. They all provided background information including how long had they had had their condition / what OTC product they were using to treat against their acne / what they liked about the OTC product / what they didn’t like about the OTC product and how much they paid for their current OTC product. 4. All participants were shown how and when to use the Zoono product. For identification purposes, the exact formulation for this trial was identified as ‘Zoono SkinClear Trial’ and a limited run were produced. No marketing material was provided – all packaging was incognito. 5. All • • • • •

participants were evaluated and assessed at these intervals: Before treatment. 1 day after treatment 3 days after treatment 5 days after treatment 14 days after treatment

6. Full feedback was provided by all participants. A Summary of Results is attached.

Results: 7. All 20 participants showed significant improvement – with 19 of the 20 participants having their acne either totally cleared or almost cleared within 14 days. The remaining participant, (No.7) confirmed she was incorrectly applying the Zoono product with makeup (affecting product efficacy). Once rectified, immediate improvement was evident and her acne was totally cleared after 14 days. Whilst there was evidence of slight residual discolouration or scarring in some instances (due to the original acne), this was expected to improve significantly / clear. 8. The trial was declared an outstanding success. All 20 participants said they were ‘extremely pleased’ with the results and if Zoono SkinClear was available for sale, they would purchase and recommend the product to friends. 9. Zoono SkinClear was subsequently tested further before being prepared for launch.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

SUMMARY OF RESULTS CAMPUS TRIALS OF ZOONO ACNE PRODUCT (UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES) No

M/F

Age

Start

Day 1

Day 3

Day 5

Day 7

1

F

19

1

2

3

4

4

Day 14 5

2

F

21

2

3

4

4

4

5

3

M

18

2

3

4

4

4

5

4

M

20

1

2

3

4

5

5

5

M

22

2

3

4

4

4

5

6

F

19

1

2

2

3

4

5

7

F

24

1

1

1

3

3

4

8

M

21

2

3

4

4

5

5

9

M

21

2

2

3

3

4

5

10

F

28

2

3

4

5

5

5

11

M

20

1

2

3

4

4

4

12

M

24

1

2

4

4

5

5

13

F

19

2

3

4

5

5

5

14

M

27

2

3

3

4

4

5

15

M

23

1

2

5

5

5

5

16

F

26

2

3

5

5

5

5

17

F

20

1

2

3

4

4

4

18

M

22

2

3

5

5

5

5

19

M

30

1

2

3

3

4

5

20

F

22

2

2

3

4

4

4

Assessment: 1. Highly Visible – acne obvious / numerous locations. 2. Clearly Visible – acne obvious / several locations 3. Visible – acne present / responding to treatment 4. Barely Visible – Isolated locations but clearly responding to treatment 5. None – condition not evident at all.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 38

Eating at work linked toVLFNLHV From an article by Martin Johnson, NZ Herald, Tuesday 20th July 2010. You're safer to eat your lunch off a toilet seat than the average office desk - and be careful how you handle the taps on the way out: they're filthy. Germ-busting microbiologist Dr Charles Gerba, of Arizona University in the United States, advises not to eat in either place and to regularly sanitise hands and disinfect surfaces. He says regularly sanitising surfaces with disinfecting wipes has been shown to reduce absenteeism of office workers by up to 30 per cent and of schoolchildren by more than 50 per cent. His research has found that dishcloths at home typically harbour more E. coli - bacteria that indicate faecal contamination - than the toilet. "There's more faecal bacteria in your kitchen sink than in your toilet after you flush it. People nuke their bathrooms, but not their kitchens," Dr Gerba said yesterday. "There are 200 times more E. coli on the cutting board than on a toilet seat. It's safer to make a sandwich on a toilet seat than on a cutting board in the average home." This is because many home cooks fail to properly sanitise the board after cutting up raw meat, or do not have separate boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods. But things only get worse at work. The phone and the desktop are the "germiest" items in the office. The number of bacteria per square centimetre on a desk top is typically 400 times greater than on a toilet seat. "The computer keyboard and mouse are next worst, then the drawers." On your way into the office toilet, consider that the door handle on the way in will be loaded with bad bugs, as will the underside of the toilet seat and especially the taps. But the door handle on the way out won't be so bad, because most people have washed their hands. Dr Gerba said schools and daycare centres were the most unhygienic workplaces in his research, because children were less likely than adults to wash their hands and they picked up lots of germs from playgrounds. Germs were easily transferred from our hands into our noses, mouths and eyes because we touched our faces so much - 80 times an hour for children and 16 times for adults. He urged frequent use of hand sanitiser and regularly cleaning desks, phones, keyboards and computer mice with disinfectant wipes. Least Hygienic Workplaces Among white-collar workers, the highest concentrations of harmful bacteria and viruses were found on surfaces used by: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Schoolteachers Bankers Accountants Media workers Doctors

- Source: Arizona University research

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 39

AQIS APPROVALS We are pleased to confirm that Zoono Z71 and GermFree24 have now received letters of acceptance (LOA) from AQIS – The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

Zoono Z-71: This product is now acceptable for use in export registered meat preparation establishments in Australia. The LOA notes this is now approved for use as a Category 6 sanitiser – but clearly it is not a product that can be used in direct contact with the food or foodstuffs themselves. GermFree24: This product is now acceptable for use in export registered meat preparation establishments in Australia. The LOA notes this is now approved for use as a Category 9 Liquid Hand Soap Type B. Copies of these letters of approval are available on request and they can be handed to customers as required. If customers want to check if a product has AQIS acceptance they can access the official Government website which lists all chemicals that have current approval. The site is www.daff.gov.au/aqis

Notes: 1. We are only able to use the reference “accepted for use in registered export meat establishments” or similar wording. 2. A condition of AQIS Approval is that we cannot claim “AQIS Approved” in any form of advertising or any material supplied to customers.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 40 REGISTRATIONS AND APPROVALS SUMMARY (At June 2010)

1 2 3

•

NZFSA2 (New Zealand Food Safety Authority)# C22 Approval - Edible animal areas

•

NZFSA1 (New Zealand Food Safety Authority)# C54 Approval - Hand Sanitizer – All areas

•

AsureQuality Assessment Pass2 #2466 for Food/Beverage/Dairy for Factories & Farms - Food Contact Surfaces

•

AsureQuality Assessment Pass1 #2467 for Food/Beverage/Dairy for Factories & Farm - Hands

•

ERMA (New Zealand Environmental Management Authority) Approval

•

EN1500 (European Standard Accepted) – Hand Rub

•

EN1276, 1650, 14996 antimicrobial (H1N1 Swine) & ad EN12791 for longevity

•

NRCS Registration RSA (Republic South Africa) - disinfectant

•

AQIS LOA 03391 - accepted for use in registered export meat preparation establishments in Australia.

•

AQIS LOA 04022 - accepted for use in registered export meat preparation establishments in Australia.

•

TGA Approved 1583393 – hospital grade disinfectant.

Zoono Z-71 GermFree 24 Zoono Hospital Grade

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 41 Water Filtration Test Results

Recently our Sub Sahara Distributor in Africa commissioned some further Tests on Water Filtration – in particular the ability of Zoono Z-71 infused media to significantly reduce the presence of E Coli in bore and well (drinking) water. These tests were undertaken by Dr Urvik Patel of Dhara Biotech in Gujarat, India. He reported as follows: For the laboratory tests, a standard, surgical cotton (water non-absorbant) type filter media was used. It was infused with Zoono Z-71 sanitiser. Nutrient broth containing approx 3 x 108 cfu/ml of E. Coli was also used. A non treated control filter of the same specification was used for comparison purposes. The tests were conducted consecutively. As a result of these Tests, Dr Patel concluded that “a filter coated with Z-71 is capable of filtering out or shredding a total of 2.97985 x 1011 E. Coli (297,985,000,000 cells) before failing. The filter managed to get 99.32% of the bacteria.” He concluded, “If looked into a context of normal water supply which contains up to 300 bacteria per ml of water (300,000 bacteria per litre), then 993,283.333 litres of water can be filtered through it (with a 99.3% efficiency) before it fails due to excessive bacterial debris coating the zoono on the cotton fibres”. In more simple terms, the Zoono treated filter media removed 99.32% of the pathogen E. Coli. A Zoono infused filter media of this specification would be able to treat 990,000 litres of water before it needed to be replaced. The Full Results are available on request to Zoono Group.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 42

GermFree24 - Dermatology Test Results We are very pleased to announce the results of Dermatology tests recently conducted on GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser – marketed in Germany by Zoono’s distributor Heissner GmbH as “Keimfrei 24”. GermFree24 (Keimfrei 24) hand sanitiser is unique in that it is applied to the hands in the same manner as a regular hand sanitiser, but offers a full 24 hour protection against bacteria and pathogens – with just a single application. Indeed, whilst providing this maximum protection, the hands can be washed (and towel dried) throughout the day - in the normal manner. The purpose of these tests was to detect primary skin irritation potential and / or existing allergic sensitisation to the GermFree24 (Keimfrei 24) hand sanitiser. The study was completed by the noted Medical Research Company – Dermatest® GmbH. A total of 30 adults were selected for this study – a cross section of age and of gender. Each adult had both a control patch and a second GermFree24 patch applied to the skin and, after a 24 hour exposure period, the patches were removed and the exposed skin was dermatologically assessed and graded. The second and third assessments were performed after 48 and 72 hours respectively. The results were conclusive. Dermatest® stated in their report “No evidence of any skin disorder was detected in the test area of any of the 30 volunteers after conducting patch testing for 24h, 48h and 72hours according to the internationally recognised guidelines of the ICDRG (lnternational Contact Dermatitis Research Group)”. They also confirmed “It can be concluded that the use of the (GermFree24) product will not cause any unwanted skin reactions due to irritating or sensitising effect”. A full copy of the Dermatest® Study is available on request – together with the Certification confirming that GermFree24 (Keimfrei 24) has been (successfully) dermatologically tested. Please refer to the “downloads” section of our website (below) for details how to review this material.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 43

GermFree24 – World Health Organisation Guidelines The query is sometimes raised whether Zoono’s Hand Sanitising product GermFree24, meets the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines. This Fact Sheet is based on the WHO Guidelines On Hand Hygiene ISBN 978 92 4 159790 6 (NLM classification: WB 300 - published by the WHO in 2009 and Test Results conducted under Standard EN1500 by Abbott Analytical in Wirrall, UK, in September 2009, against GermFree24. On pages 25 and 26 of the WHO Guideline, it describes the methodology to be adopted when evaluating hand sanitisers for “surgical hand preparation.” In the section covering Hand Rubs (covered by the Standard EN1500, it states (in part)… “For hand rubs (EN1500), the main acceptable reduction with a test formulation shall not be significantly inferior to that with the reference alcohol based hand rub (isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol 60% volume).” GermFree24 was evaluated against the same Standard EN1500 by Abbott Analytical (Wirrall, UK) in September 2009. In the Summary of these Test Results, D C Watson of Abbott Analytical advised (in part): GermFree24, when used neat as received can be considered a suitable hygienic hand rub when tested under the procedures described above, giving significantly better reduction in bacterial numbers.” Therefore, GermFree24 not only met the EN1500 Standard but actually exceeded them (by giving “significantly better reduction in bacterial numbers”.

Summary: 1. World Health Organisation uses EN1500 for the evaluation of Hand Sanitisers (hand rubs) used in surgical hand preparation. 2. GermFree24 has been tested against the same EN1500 Standards and confirmed to have a “significantly better reduction in bacterial numbers” than the evaluation product(s). 3. GermFree24 has been successfully tested against numerous pathogens – for a full list, please visit the Zoono website (details below). 4. Postscript: In July 2010, GermFree24 was successfully tested against H1N1 (Swine Flu) – recording a 99.99% reduction in activity after 60 seconds.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 44

GermFree24 – 99.99% Kill Rate Against H1N1 (Swine Flu) This Fact Sheet summarises the GermFree24 Test Results recently undertaken in Germany against Asian Influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu). These Tests were conducted using a quantitative suspension assay method following EN 14476:2007-02 (1). The Full Test Results are available on our website www.zoono.com. The undiluted GermFree24 test product was able to inactivate influenza A virus H1N1 (swine) after 60 seconds. At that time point, no influenza A virus H1N1 (Swine Flu) was detectable. The reduction factor was ≥ 2.88. After introducing the columns (a verification test), the undiluted GermFree24 solution was able to achieve a reduction factor of ≥ 4.63 after 60 seconds exposure time. This corresponded to an inactivation of ≥ 99.99 %.

SUMMARY: A >99.99% reduction of virus H1N1 (Swine Flu) was achieved by undiluted Germ Free 24 after an exposure time of 60 seconds. This has led to the recommendation by this German Laboratory to use Germ Free 24 for inactivation of influenza A virus H1N1 (Swine) as follows: Undiluted - 60 seconds.

Note: GermFree24 is also marketed globally under the registered trade names PureProtect24 and KeimFrei24.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 45 Zoono achieves > 99.99% Kill Rate Against Norovirus This Fact Sheet summarises the (Initial) Test Results against Norovirus. These tests were undertaken by Dr Jochen Steinmann PhD of MikroLab GmbH as a follow up to the successful H1N1 (Swine Flu) tests recently announced. Dr Steinmann is a world wide authority on viruses and bacterial infections. For these tests, Zoono Hospital Grade was evaluated against Norovirus. The undiluted test product was still able to inactivate Norovirus after 60 minutes. At that time point, the kill rate (reduction factor) was measured at Log ≥4.38. This equates to a kill rate above 99.99%.

Examination of ZOONO HOSPITAL GRADE against MNV Project number: Z10ML1096M (Test 2331 in 07.2010)

Product

Conc.

Soil Load

Zoono Hospital Grade

80.0 %

clean conditions

Cytotoxicity

Virus Control

Reduction Factor after:

(log10CD50/ml)

(log10TCID50/ml)

0.5 min

1 min

5 min

60 min

3.50

7.88

n.d.

0.50

1.88

≥4.38

Norovirus is a debilitating gastro virus that can (in severe cases) be fatal. It is transmitted by cross contamination (by touch) and as such it can occur anywhere / any time – especially where people gather such as Hospitals, Aged Care Facilities, Child Care Centres, Universities and Schools, Public Transport, Offices and Sports facilities. It can even occur in the home. Particularly vulnerable to Norovirus are young Children and the Aged population. Zoono Hospital Grade is based on the same Zoono antimicrobial technology also contained in Zoono Z-71, Zoono Ultra, ZoonoTex fabric treatment and in GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 46 NEWSPAPER ARTICLE – ATM MACHINES

ATMs more germ-infested than toilets: study AMY MAAS Fairfax NZ

ATM keypads are more germ-infested than public toilets, a new study has found. Forty eight sites across Auckland's CBD and Ponsonby were inspected as part of the survey. The Janola study found public telephones, public toilets, table tops in public eating places and train ticket self-serve screens also carried unusually high amounts of bacteria. The sites were tested using a hygiene monitoring device, which measures the bacteria in Relative Light Units (RLU). Bacteria counts on ATM keypads recorded the highest bacteria count with an average RLU reading of 1271. They were closely followed by public telephones (1214), public toilets (1184), table tops in public eating spaces (1097) and train ticket self-serve screens (800). A reading of 10-200 is considered good enough to eat off, 300-400 means it's time for a clean, 500-plus is considered unsafe to eat off while 600 and above equates to their being an infestation of bacteria present. "The results from this study are quite high, but aren't surprising in my line of work. More often than not it's the visibly clean and inconspicuous areas that have the most startling results," said Dr Charles Gerba, a global infection control expert, who is visiting Auckland this week. "With this in mind I wouldn't recommend touching your face after coming into contact with any of the sites tested. Especially if you have a weak immune system." And while public spaces are obvious hotspots, the home can also harbour plenty of dirt. The toilet is an obvious culprit, but Gerba says chopping boards, cleaning cloths and even reusable shopping bags are a hot bed of bacteria. Your desk at work, supermarkets, laundromats and mobile phones are also teeming with germs. Gerba, dubbed Dr Germ, will visit Auckland on Thursday in an effort to highlight how to eliminate and avoid major germ spots. He recommended using anti-bacterial wipes to clean public surfaces before using them. © Fairfax NZ News 19 April 2012.

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 47

ZOONOTEX TREATMENT OF ATHLETE’S FOOT INTRODUCTION: Athlete's foot (also known as ringworm of the foot and tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itch of affected areas. It is caused by fungi in the genus Trichophyton and is typically transmitted in moist, warm areas where people walk barefoot - such as showers, bathhouses or even carpets. Although the condition typically affects the feet, it can spread to other areas of the body, including the groin. Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection in which most people will develop over the course of their lives. The combination of moisture, sweating and the lack of ventilation provides the perfect environment for Athletes foot to grow. Later (and more severe) cases of Athletes foot are the result of bacterial infections which colonise due to the stressed environment brought on by the fungal infection. The more severe infections result in redness, swelling and are accompanied by unpleasant foot odours. In general, reputable antifungal creams help prevent and cure the fungal infection of athlete’s foot but in more severe cases, antibacterial agents are also needed.

THE ZOONOTEX PRODUCT: The active ingredient in Zoono products has been proven to be highly effective against a broad spectrum of microbial organisms. For fabrics, ZoonoTex is best applied at the point of manufacture (via a fabric bath). When the fabric dries, a bed of microscopic ‘pins’ remains infused into the fabric to attract, pierce and kill pathogens via lysis - a principle similar to that of a pin popping a balloon. And, just as the ruptured balloon cannot be reformed and cannot ‘survive’, the pathogens killed by Zoono cannot survive either. Indeed, because the ‘Zoono’ kill is likened to a ‘mechanical’ kill rather than killing by poisons or dehydration, it is impossible for pathogens to build up any immunity. This means NO mutation and NO superbugs. ZoonoTex textile concentrate is diluted at a ratio to meet the fabric specification / required efficacy.

THE PROOF: During the 1970’s and 80’s, the developers of the Zoono active (Dow Corning) studied the effectiveness and durability of the Zoono active against the specific organism responsible for Athlete’s foot (Trychopyton mentagrophytes). During this time, several Patents covering this technology were submitted and registered by DC – and whilst the patents have since lapsed, their research findings and test results are still accepted today as valid references. Zoono Group has enhanced the original technology it become what is today the 8th generation product. When applied to fabrics (including socks), the antibacterial qualities have been proven to last for more then 75 washes at 60°C – indeed, this is often beyond the life of the fabric itself! Application Protocols and Research Material used by Zoono relating to the treatment of Athlete’s Foot is available on request by contacting: [email protected]

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 48 ALL HAND SANITISERS ARE NOT THE SAME What is a Hand Sanitiser? A traditional hand sanitiser or hand antiseptic is a supplement to hand washing with soap and water and, when applied to the hands it kills pathogens by either dehydration or by poisoning. Various preparations of traditional hand sanitisers are available, including gel, foam, and liquid solutions. The common ingredient in these hand sanitisers is alcohol – isopropanol / ethanol / methanol. Whilst these alcohol based hand sanitisers are more effective at killing germs than using soaps only, they have the disadvantages of having only short term efficacy and of drying out (chapping) the hands. Hand Sanitisers are also available in non-alcohol formats and instead of using alcohol as the method of kill, they use either small concentrations of the nitrogenous cationic surface-acting agent benzalkonium chloride (BZK), the chlorinated aromatic compound triclosan or povidone-iodine. Some products claim to kill germs naturally, although these claims are not substantiated in any FDA monograph. How Do They Work? Traditional, alcohol based hand sanitisers kill pathogens by dehydration. These high alcohol products rely on the fast evaporating alcohol to dehydrate the pathogen – but they are effective as long as the alcohol remains on the hands. Unfortunately, their ‘window of effectiveness’ is only measured in minutes (they work until such time the alcohol has totally evaporated away). Other non-alcohol hand sanitisers contain the active ingredients (above) that poison pathogens and again, they are only effective in the short term. What’s different about Zoono’s GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser? Traditional hand sanitisers have a very short life span – usually limited to a few minutes. The reason is simple – once applied, the alcohol quickly evaporates away and there is no residual effect – in other words, there is no ability to kill any fresh bacterial landing on the hands. And the instant that the hands come into contact with anything (a mobile phone, pen, car keys, utensils, coffee cup, laptop keyboard etc), then fresh contamination occurs. So for long term protection using these traditional products, a second application is required 10 minutes after it was first applied and yet another application 10 minutes after that (and so on throughout the day). In addition, high alcohol hand sanitisers are classified as ‘Dangerous Goods’ as they are highly inflammable. By contrast, the active ingredient in Zoono GermFree24 hand sanitiser actually bonds to the skin and only comes off as the skin naturally exfoliates (the time this takes can vary due to age. skin type etc, but is usually around 72 hours). Indeed, the Zoono GermFree24 has been proven to remain effective for a full 24 hours (hence it’s name GermFree24) – with just one application! And during this 24 hour period, the hands can be washed using normal soaps and dried using a regular towel. And best of all, it has been proven to have outstanding dermatological qualities – the world renown Laboratory Dermatest in Germany, tested GermFree24 and declared that it has NO adverse effects on the skin. In addition to granting Certification status, they actually recommended Zoono GermFree24 for use as a hand sanitiser. The Zoono active is a water-based, food safe, environmentally friendly antibacterial product that, once dry, forms a covalent bond with the skin that does not diminish in strength, does not leach, does not enhance mutation and therefore does not promote the development of superbugs. Zoono’s GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser is safe to use around people, plants and pets alike. And one application of GermFree24 provides maximum protection to the hands for a full 24 hours!

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 49 HAND SANITISER COMPARISON (Purell versus Zoono’s GermFree24) Traditional Hand Sanitiser - Purell: A traditional hand sanitiser or hand antiseptic is a supplement to hand washing with soap and water and, when applied to the hands it kills pathogens by either dehydration or by poisoning. The common ingredient in these hand sanitisers is alcohol – isopropanol / ethanol / methanol. Whilst these alcohol based hand sanitisers are more effective at killing germs than using soaps only, they have the disadvantages of having only short term efficacy and of drying out (chapping) the hands. The reason these products have short duration efficacy is simple… once applied, the alcohol content in Purell or Dettol quickly evaporates away and there is no residual effect – in other words, there is no ability to kill any fresh bacterial landing on the hands. And the instant that the hands come into contact with anything (a mobile phone, pen, car keys, utensils, coffee cup, laptop keyboard etc), then fresh contamination occurs. So for long term protection using these traditional products, a second application is required 10 minutes after it was first applied and yet another application 10 minutes after that (and so on throughout the day). In addition, high alcohol hand sanitisers are classified as ‘Dangerous Goods’ as they are highly inflammable.

Zoono’s GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser By contrast, the active ingredient in Zoono GermFree24 hand sanitiser actually bonds to the skin and only comes off as the skin naturally exfoliates (the time this takes can vary due to age. skin type etc, but is usually around 72 hours). Indeed, the Zoono GermFree24 has been proven to remain effective for a full 24 hours (hence it’s name GermFree24) – with just one application! And during this 24 hour period, the hands can be washed using normal soaps and dried using a regular towel. And best of all, it has been proven to have outstanding dermatological qualities – the world renown Laboratory Dermatest in Germany, tested GermFree24 and declared that it has NO adverse effects on the skin. In addition to granting Certification status, they actually recommended Zoono GermFree24 for use as a hand sanitiser. The Zoono active is a water-based, food safe, environmentally friendly antibacterial product that, once dry, forms a covalent bond with the skin that does not diminish in strength, does not leach, does not enhance mutation and therefore does not promote the development of superbugs. Zoono’s GermFree24 Hand Sanitiser is safe to use around people, plants and pets alike. And one application of GermFree24 provides maximum protection to the hands for a full 24 hours! In fact, there is no other hand sanitiser quite like it!

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

HOW DO THEY COMPARE? GermFree24

Purell

Proven Efficacy

Proven Efficacy

One Application Lasts 24 Hours

One Application Lasts ~10 minutes

Special Middle East Formulation

Same Formulation Used Globally

Contains NO Alcohol

Contains 62% Ethyl Alcohol

Contains NO Alcohol

Contains 60% Ethanol

Safe To Store in The Home

Dangerous Goods Classification

Non Flammable

Highly Flammable

Easy to Ship / Handle

Hazardous By Transport Regulations

Dermatology Approved

Alcohol will chap hands and skin

Flashpoint 409°F

Flashpoint (PMCC) 78.8°F (26°C)

Enjoys NZ Food Safety Authority Approval

Contains Poisons – Not Food Safe

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com

FACT SHEET No. 54 LOW COST WATER TREATMENT

Background: The use of Zoono infused zeolite as a water filter treatment media is well documented and has been proven in the Lab and the field. Supporting information is available at: www.zoono.com Globally, (esp within developing countries), there are 2 million+ deaths due to contaminated water. [Source: WHO(2000) Global Water Supply and Sanitation Assessment - World Health Organisation, Geneva]. The biggest issue is the use of ground water containing Escherichia coli (E.coli), for both irrigation purposes and as drinking water. Against this background, Zoono commissioned tests of a low cost water treatment option at a recognised NZ Laboratory. The test consisted of passing contaminated through a recycled container containing low cost zeolite filter media that had been infused with Zoono Microbe Shield. The ‘system’ was simple to use, low cost and yet the results were outstanding.

The Test: Water contaminated with a known quantity of bacteria [E. coli) was allowed to pass (gravity fed) through a basic filter containing Zoono treated zeolite. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ CFU tests confirmed the log reduction.

The ‘Filter’: A recycled plastic coffee container was used as the filter. Standard, plastic hose couplings (also recycled) were fitted to each end. The container was filled with Zoono treated zeolite. (As per photo) Note: Zeolite is a natural (volcanic) product with a consistency of coarse sand and is readily available throughout the world.

The Results: The CFU tests confirmed a 3.0 log reduction of Escherichia coli after a single pass. This equates to a 99.9% reduction of E. coli after a single pass of contaminated water through the Zoono treated zeolite. Note: Full Test Results are attached to this Fact Sheet – please refer to the next page(s). For further information, contact Zoono via: [email protected]

Zoono Group Limited, Level 2, Carlton DFK Centre, 135 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand. www.zoono.com