FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2020

(Anderson, SC)— Tile Council of North America’s (TCNA) Product Performance Testing Laboratory has a long history of microbiological testing and research on ceramic tiles and other floor and wall coverings, including ground-breaking research on photocatalytic antimicrobial surfaces and the antimicrobial effects of various metal oxides in glazes. Due to increased testing inquiries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the TCNA lab is expanding its microbiology-based services to meet the industry’s growing and ever-changing needs for relevant, up-to-date product testing and analysis.

New services include antiviral testing to determine the survival rates/duration of viruses on different surface materials and the efficacy of common household cleaners to disinfect these surfaces. TCNA will also be joining the ASTM task force for developing surrogates for the SARS-CoV-2 virus for testing purposes.

“The broad expertise of our lab, combined with our joint-use collaboration with Clemson University, means we can address a wide range of testing needs, including the design of custom testing,” said Katelyn Simpson, TCNA’s Director of Laboratory Services.

The TCNA Product Performance Testing Laboratory is the only laboratory in the U.S. specializing in microbiological testing of floor, wall, and countertop surfaces, whether ceramic, stone, plastic-based, or other hard material. The state-of-the-art lab is uniquely positioned to provide this research on materials used in public and residential spaces in the hope that such research may be helpful to protect individuals against contracting and/or spreading viruses from contaminated interior surfaces.

“We embrace this opportunity to evaluate innovative solutions and proprietary technologies in the fight against COVID-19,” said Dr. Jyothi Rangineni, TCNA Senior Research Scientist and microbiology expert. “Long after a vaccine for COVID-19 is created, we anticipate heightened health concerns will continue to be the new normal, and TCNA is poised to continue supporting better practices for healthy and safe living.”

For more information, click here: Antiviral and Other Microbiology and Cell Culture Services

About Tile Council of North America (TCNA)

TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials and other tile-related products. Established in 1945 as the Tile Council of America (TCA), it became the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) in 2003, reflecting its membership expansion to all of North America.

The Tile Council is recognized for its leadership role in facilitating the development of North American and international industry quality standards to benefit tile consumers. Additionally, TCNA regularly conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade, and other government agencies, and publishes installation guidelines, tile standards, economic reports, and promotional literature.

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Contact:
Kathy Meyer
(864) 646-8453