Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) results from an environment where air quality is reduced due to the growth of microbes such as bacteria and fungi (mold). SBS is a growing problem in buildings that are well insulated and have less air exchange, resulting in the potential for increased bacteria and fungi growth. The problem is often exacerbated by central heating and air conditioning systems, which may increase the spreading and re-circulating of microbes.
Biocides used as agents in controlling SBS, are finding an increasing usage in coatings, construction products, plastics and textiles where antiallergy/antimold and health claims are made. These claims are based upon the ability of biocides to control the number of microbes that live on the surface of treated articles. The total market for specialty biocides was more than $200 million at manufacture level in 2004. Biocide usage as SBS agents are broadly used over 3 main areas namely Coatings & construction products, Plastics & Textiles.
The future growth for Biocides used as SBS agents is predicted to be at least 10 percent per year. Most interviewee's believe that there is an opportunity to sell products that will improve the environment by reducing mould, odours and dangerous bacteria such as MRSA type bacteria.
In addition to profiles of 360 manufacturers of biocide treated products, the report also provides an overview of the biocides used as SBS agents with value and volume data for each biocide. This is followed by a summary for each of the biocide suppliers that are active in the SBS sector. Industry influences on the biocides market are also discussed including the impact of current and emerging regulations on the biocides used. The report concludes with forecasts for biocides used as agents in SBS control.
The scope of the study is North America and Western Europe. The overview section provides extended definitions of the biocides to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the technology involved. In addition, this section provides an analysis of biocide consumption by application and region. There is a profile of an ideal biocide as outlined by end users.
The company profiles section includes a discussion of the companies that have pioneered biocide development as SBS agents and examines how their available products and services are setting the standards. In this report more than 360 end users are profiled, and 20 of the most important biocide suppliers are examined in depth. The base year for this study is 2004.
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