LOS ANGELES, CA — AK Steel will donate steel coated with AgION™ antimicrobial compound for City of Hope’s Helford Clinical Research Hospital currently under construction in Duarte, CA. The coated steel will be used in the facility’s air handling ductwork and may have other potential applications such as stainless steel door hardware, push plates, and light switch plates.

According to the manufacturer, AgION antimicrobial compound is a long-lasting, inorganic material that contains silver ions, which are safe and natural antimicrobial agents. The compound has two key components that work together to suppress the growth of microbes, says the company: Silver ions act as the active agent, while zeolite acts as a reservoir, stores the silver ions, and releases them.

When moisture is present, the zeolite acts as an ion pump providing controlled release of silver ions into the environment. This controlled release is said to provide continuous antimicrobial protection.