Q1: What is PCO?

PCO stands for Photocatalytic Oxidation and describes the chemical reaction that occurs when Titanium Dioxide is exposed to light – it becomes a strong oxidizer capable of decomposing organic compounds

Q2: What is the difference between PCO and T-Zap?

PCO and T-Zap uses the same properties of Titanium Dioxide to decompose organic contaminants. This is where the similarities end. T-Zap is a new generation technology. It combines Hydroxyapatite to capture and retain the organic compounds and Silver ion to accelerate the oxidation process. Furthermore, T-Zap employs a milder form of Titanium Dioxide that will not aggress the substrate it is coated on.

Q3: What is Hydroxyapetite?

Hydroxyapatite is Calcium Phosphate. This is a naturally occurring mineral and 70% of human bones are made of Hydroxyapatite. In the medical field, it is used in helping bone re-growth. It is not toxic.

Q4: What is Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium Dioxide is naturally occurring oxide of Titanium and is very white. It is used in sunscreens as well as a food coloring. It is not toxic to humans

Q5: What is trace Silver?

Trace Silver is simply small quantities of Silver that bind to the Titanium Dioxide to help speed up decomposition. The term Trace Silver is used by T-Zap to differentiate it from Nano-silver or Silver Nano, a form of Silver that has been used in the mid 2000’s as an anti-bacterial in home care products. Various organizations have questioned the environmental impact of Nano Silver as well as its impact on human health. Trace Silver does not present these issues. 

Q6: Where does T-Zap come from?

T-Zap is a patented technology that originates from Japan . This technology took 11 years to develop in the laboratory followed by another 7 years of testing in the field – in hospitals, nursing homes and in private houses.

Q7: What is earth + ?

Earth + is the brand name used by Shinshu ceramics, the originator of the T-Zap technology. It is the brand name used in place of T-Zap in Japan and appears as a logo on most T-Zap products as a sign of respect for the original.

Q8: What is the origin of the name T-Zap?

The name T-Zap is derived as follows: “T” represents Titanium Dioxide, the power behind the technology. “Zap” symbolizes the action that occurs when an organic contaminant is decomposed by the Titanium Dioxide.

Q9: Is T-Zap safe?

T-Zap is composed of food grade ingredients only. It has passed all standard tests for human safety. It can be ingested and can be used in direct contact with the skin.

Q10: How does T-Zap work?

The Hydroxyapatite captures the organic compound and does not release it. The Titanium Dioxide then decomposes the organic compound by destroying the cell’s walls. The trace Silver acts as an anode to accelerate the rate of reaction.

Q11: Can I wash T-Zap coated textiles?

T-Zap clothing is safe to wash at any machine temperature. Hand washing should be avoided. Also, neither bleach nor fabric softener should be used.

Q12: Which textiles can I coat with T-Zap?

T-Zap can be coated on every type of textile – except for Nylon, Polypropylene, Silk and Wool.

Q13: What is VOC?

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compound. This is a gas that is organic based and emitted from cleaning solvents, paints and printers indoors. Some of these gases, such as Formaldehyde and Toluene are toxic. “Sick house” syndrome has been associated with VOCs.

Q14: What is sick house?

Sick house refers to environmental factors within homes and office that contribute to the ill health of its occupants. There are a multitude of sources for sick house, including VOCs.

Q15: What is MRSA?

MRSA is an acronym for Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or Multi-drug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. As its name indicates, this bacterium is a resistant strain of the common bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA has evolved an ability to survive treatment with commonly used antibiotics, including Methicillin. MRSA is especially troublesome in hospitals where high risk patients can be exposed to carriers.

Q16: What is Avian flu?

Avian flu refers to a species of viruses of Influenza A virus. They cause influenza in birds. Although they typically are transmitted from animal to animal, certain mutations in South East Asia have evolved and cause animal to human transmission. The fear is now that a human to human strain will develop, resulting in a pandemic.

Q17: What is the new influenza A(H1N1)?

This is a new influenza A(H1N1) virus that has never before circulated among humans. This virus is not related to previous or current human seasonal influenza viruses.

Q18: How do people become infected with the virus?

The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces.

To prevent spread, people who are ill should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay home when they are unwell, clean their hands regularly, and keep some distance from healthy people, as much as possible.

Q19: Why are we so worried about this flu when hundreds of thousands die every year from seasonal epidemics?

Seasonal influenza occurs every year and the viruses change each year - but many people have some immunity to the circulating virus which helps limit infections. Some countries also use seasonal influenza vaccines to reduce illness and deaths.

But influenza A(H1N1) is a new virus and one to which most people have no or little immunity and, therefore, this virus could cause more infections than are seen with seasonal flu. WHO is working closely with manufacturers to expedite the development of a safe and effective vaccine but it will be some months before it is available.

The new influenza A(H1N1) appears to be as contagious as seasonal influenza, and is spreading fast particularly among young people (from ages 10 to 45). The severity of the disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses that can result in death. The majority of people who contract the virus experience the milder disease and recover without antiviral treatment or medical care. Of the more serious cases, more than half of hospitalized people had underlying health conditions or weak immune systems.