School Officials, Healthcare Professionals Rely on SaniGuard(R) to Prevent the Spread of MRSA

LAKEWOOD, N.J., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Reports released in the Journal of the American Medical Association last week showed that nearly one of every five patients who develop an invasive infection from methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) died in 2005, underscoring the need for better infection control within American communities.

Component Hardware Group (CHG), a leading manufacturer and distributor of plumbing and specialty hardware components to healthcare, foodservice, institutional and commercial markets, has announced that its line of SaniGuard "dry on contact" room foggers, disinfectant sprays and hand sanitizers have been proven effective against the spread of MRSA and many other disease causing bacteria, viruses and odor-causing molds and mildew.

To combat the virulent drug-resistant bacteria often referred to as the "superbug," school officials from major universities such as the University of South Florida, University of Texas, Missouri State University and Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania, as well as healthcare professionals and infection control managers from around the country have stocked up on SaniGuard sanitizing products that kill bacteria instantly. In addition to sanitizing surfaces with SaniGuard disinfectant and using the company's hand-sanitizing products, CHG's customers have additionally signed on to equip their facilities with SANIGUARD(R) antimicrobial treated hardware and plumbing products.

Among the dozens of educational facilities that have recently equipped themselves with CHG's products is St. Peter School in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, which recently installed SANIGUARD treated Encore(TM) plumbing in their cafeteria. "Our students' health is a high priority for us right now," said Ms. Kathleen Berlino, principal at St. Peter School. "In light of all of the problems that have been surfacing in the media recently, we felt that installing this antimicrobial plumbing in the school cafeteria would help minimize the growth of any harmful bacteria."

While SaniGuard disinfects a surface and dissipates quickly, CHG's SANIGUARD treatment is a built-in, cost-effective, inorganic antimicrobial coating that utilizes a silver ion-based technology to retard the growth of bacteria, molds, mildew and some viruses on treated surfaces such as faucet handles, door knobs and other touch points for the life of the product.

"We are doing everything we can to protect our patients from the spread of MRSA and other hospital acquired infections," said Carolyn Wieging, Manager of the Infection Prevention and Control Department at St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, Ohio. "Using SANIGUARD coated products helps us assure our patients and their families that the surfaces where SANIGUARD is used will not be conducive to the growth of bacteria. This will supplement hand hygiene protocols and routine disinfectant cleaning."

"The prevalence of this serious infection is much higher than previously anticipated, but there's good news in all of this. With proper hand washing practices in place, combined with the use of SaniGuard disinfectants and hand sanitizers, the spread of this infection can be prevented," said Tom Carr, president of CHG.

CHG continually conducts extensive third-party research and evidence-based testing of its SaniGuard disinfectant and hand sanitizer against various microorganisms including: Norovirus, legionella, staphylococcus (MRSA), salmonella, listeria, E-coli and others. CHG has conducted similar testing of their SANIGUARD antimicrobial treatment for efficacy against numerous bacteria, viruses, and odor-causing molds and mildew. CHG has documented these results to support its claims.

More information is available at http://www.saniguard-online.com or by calling 1-877-SANIGUARD.

About SANIGUARD(R) Antimicrobial Protected Products

The first and only products of their kind, SANIGUARD antimicrobial protected plumbing and hardware products inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and fungus on treated equipment nonstop and for the life of the product. Unique among plumbing and hardware components, the SANIGUARD line utilizes a patented, proven inorganic silver ion technology, combined with a proprietary powder coating material, to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and prevent their survival on the product's surfaces, offering a benefit with a broad range of applications. For additional information, please visit http://www.saniguard-online.com or call 1-877-SANIGUARD.

About Component Hardware Group (CHG)

Lakewood, New Jersey-based CHG manufactures and distributes plumbing and specialty hardware components to healthcare, foodservice, institutional and commercial markets under the SANIGUARD(R), Encore, Regal Ride, Top Line, Drain Master and QuikWash trademarks. For over 25 years, the company has been known for its longtime commitment to the highest level of customer service and its high-quality, innovative products for use in facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, cruise ships, schools, prisons, foodservice kitchens and elsewhere. For additional information, please visit http://www.componenthardware.com.