FaQ

You have questions? We have answers:

•  Show all subject areas
•  General
•  Water filters and coffee machines
•  SecoSan and food
•  SecoSan in the household
•  SecoSan and hygiene
•  Air conditioning
•  SecoSan in aquarium and pond
•  Pet, aquaristics, terraristics
•  SecoSan and nano-silver
•  Uniqueness of SecoSan
•  Legionella
•  Risks and environmental impact
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• Does the effectiveness depend on temperature?

  The effectiveness does not depend on temperature. The multiplication of bacteria increases with a higher temperature, but this temperature effect is compensated for by the simultaneous increase in silver ions.

• For what water temperature is SecoSan suitable?

  The SecoSan housing is made of plastic. The water temperature should hence be a maximum of 70 °C (158 °F).

• Does SecoSan provide extensive hygiene protection?

  It has been proven that SecoSan is able to reduce germs that are harmful to humans and animals (see EU Pharma Test, for example) and hence contributes to the fundamental improvement in the overall hygienic situation.

• Are there interactions with other water constituents?

  A negative interaction with other additives such as water softener and cooking salt can be ruled out. At most, their effect or the performance of SecoSan can be restricted.

• Can SecoSan be dosed incorrectly?

  An overdose of SecoSan is ruled out. The antimicrobial active surface works as an ion storage unit and ensures that silver ions are released only when coming into direct contact with bacteria. In this way, only as many silver ions are released as they are consumed through the decomposition of the bacteria.

• What is the reaction time of SecoSan and/or how long does it take until the full effect is achieved?

  Generally, a sufficient effect is achieved after a reaction time of > 120 minutes.

• Can I reinsert the SecoSan stick once it has dried?

  The SecoSan stick can be reused in the same or in other containers at any time. If the stick has been used in industrial water or distilled water, it must under no circumstances be used in drinking water afterwards for reasons of hygiene. This also includes use in animal troughs etc.

• How can you tell that the effect is weakening or that SecoSan needs replacing?

  Unfortunately, there is no cheap way of determining whether the effectiveness is weakening. However, on each stick you will find a label attached as a replacement reminder which you can use to mark the end of the 6 months. After the period of effect we recommend has expired, SecoSan must be replaced so as to continue to ensure the effect.

• How long does SecoSan stay durable?

  SecoSan is durable for 10 years in its original packaging.

• What do I have to do if the container is larger than that specified for the stick?

  We currently have sticks for containers up to 20 l on offer. You can use two or more sticks. Simply talk to us. We will be happy to advise you on other possible dosage forms.

• Does SecoSan have to be maintained?

  SecoSan itself does not have to be maintained. It works for at least 6 months. But it does not replace the prescribed appliance maintenance and cleaning. It is compatible with household cleaning agents and standard decalcifiers.

• Does SecoSan work in any liquid such as milk, cream, juice or carbonated drinks?

  SecoSan generally works in all liquids based on water. Our ancestors have already utilized the antibacterial effect of silver. Silver coins were put into milk in this way in order to make it last longer in the time before the fridge was invented. (Silver ions react in the milk and kill the bacteria that make the milk sour). However, we have only tested the effectiveness in drinking and industrial water.

• Can the same stick be used in different applications?

  The SecoSan stick can be used in other applications at any time. The stick can be used in drinking water, industrial water or distilled water. If the stick has already been used in industrial water, it must no longer be used in applications in which the water will be used for consumption. Industrial water is water which is generally not used or suitable for consumption. For use in distilled water, it must be ensured that the concentration of the silver ions in the water is considerably higher. This is because there is no chloride in it to slow down the release of silver ions, which means that the ions are released in a greater quantity; this makes the water no longer suitable to drink.

• Does SecoSan change the taste of water or food?

  A renowned institute (ISEGA Forschung Aschaffenburg) has investigated the possible taste-changing effect of SecoSan scientifically. Result: SecoSan does not change the taste of hygienically sound drinking water. SecoSan is absolutely tasteless. Along with German drinking water, leading national and international mineral waters were also investigated in this test.

• My coffee machine has a water filter. Why should I also use SecoSan?

  Water filters in coffee machines are generally designed in such a way that they only prevent the "calcification" of your household appliances, eliminate any taste of limestone and also remove chlorine and other harmful substances to a certain degree. However, water filters do not prevent microbial contamination. The water often stays in the machine for a while and, while it waits to be used, the germs, which are still teeming in the supply water in harmless concentrations, seize their opportunity: they multiply in the water within a short time. In coffee machine water containers, SecoSan reliably and sustainably protects against microbial contamination and prevents bacteria from entering the machine in this way and growing into a solid biofilm in the supply system. And it therefore also prevents a bad taste.

• Does SecoSan improve the taste of coffee?

  Although SecoSan itself has proven to be tasteless, it can be said that it clearly does in many cases! In a survey on Facebook from September 2011, 56% of all those questioned claimed that the coffee tasted noticeably better than before when using SecoSan. We can explain this by stating that far more than half of all participating coffee drinkers clearly had taste-restricting bacteria and microbial contamination as well as waste products of their metabolism in the water of their coffee machines before using SecoSan. Hence it can also be said that SecoSan improves the taste of coffee for many coffee drinkers!

  Here is an extract from our Facebook survey:

  Silvia H.: "I have also put it in the coffee machine container in the office and now the coffee tastes much better."

  Hilde H.: "My stick swims in my Tassimo and has really improved the water quality. Unfortunately, stagnant water has the property of forming bacteria and that naturally restricts the taste. With the SecoSan stick, this is no longer an issue and I always enjoy my coffee with fresh water."

• Should the water container be cleaned before using SecoSan?

  Before using the stick, we recommend cleaning the container, tank or supply systems in order to establish an optimum starting basis for hygiene and taste neutrality. If the SecoSan stick is used in contaminated containers or water which already contains germs, this can cause the water to become turbid and produce negative restrictions in the taste due to the decomposition of the bacteria. The following applies as a basic principle: SecoSan may only be used in water which complies with the Drinking Water Ordinance (even in the case of industrial water applications such as air humidifiers etc.) - Exception: hygiene spray. Dirty tanks would contaminate the water in such a way that it is not of a good enough quality to drink.

• Is SecoSan food-safe?

  SecoSan itself is approved for use in drinking water according to the Drinking Water Ordinance (silver). All other materials used are just as food-safe and are constantly monitored accordingly.

• Does SecoSan clean the drinking water?

  No, but the water quality of pure drinking water is retained. Even the taste of water is not restricted by this, as confirmed by a renowned institute (ISEGA Forschung Aschaffenburg).

• Is water contaminated with germs just something that is regarded as being disgusting or are there deeper issues?

  Along with the direct risk of infection, e.g. through legionella (Pontiac fever or legionnaires' disease), the mildly toxic metabolites and the dead bacteria (so-called endotoxins) do not only represent a massive restriction in taste, but also a health risk in certain circumstances.

• Does SecoSan kill the good bacteria in drinking water?

  The term "good bacteria" does not apply in conjunction with drinking water. There are no good bacteria in drinking water. Intestinal flora are an example of "good bacteria".

• Active carbon is used for filtration in water. So why do I need SecoSan?

  The main purpose of active carbon filters is to filter out organic matter, pesticides etc. They can only bind a very limited amount of germs to their surface, but they do not prevent the reformation of germs in water! SecoSan does not "filter" the water, but prevents bacterial growth in the water with the help of the germ-inhibiting effect of the silver ions. The bacteria filtered out by active carbon can even multiply rapidly on the surface, have a negative impact on the effect of the active carbon and, in the worst case, when the active carbon is exhausted, it can release toxic metabolites and endotoxins into the water. It is therefore highly advisable to supplement active carbon filters with SecoSan.

• What benefit does using SecoSan in water dispensers have?

  According to a study from the Bundesanstalt für Risikobewertung (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment), around a third of water dispensers (not pipeline-bound) are contaminated. This is down to such things as long periods of time between cleaning intervals and the fact that a water dispenser is not an air-tight system. Germs can enter the system from the air when changing the gallon water bottles. SecoSan also provides you with protection against contamination between the cleaning intervals.

• Does it make sense to use SecoSan at the same time as water filters?

  Yes, because the usual water filters can normally only remove unwanted chemical substances such as chlorine or calcium. SecoSan, on the other hand, preserves the filtered water in reserve and keeps it germ-free.

• I use a reverse-osmosis system. Does SecoSan protect me from contamination of the pure water?

  SecoSan is optimally suited to keeping pure osmosis water germ-free. Tests were performed with water conditioners on the basis of reverse-osmosis over several weeks and the contamination was measured with and without SecoSan. According to manufacturers of the SecoSan active substance, idle periods > 1 year are implemented in osmosis systems.

• Can secoSan be used in water beds instead of a conditioner?

  The application of SecoSan in water beds is almost ideal and makes a conditioner unnecessary. However, SecoSan may not be used in combination with a conditioner. Should the beds already be equipped with a conditioner, then the water must be completely replaced.

• Why does SecoSan not work in flower vases?

  In flower water there are several organic substances, which form unsightly turbidity together with silver ions. This causes the active silver to become bound, making it no longer available for preservation.

• Why is SecoSan important in an oral irrigator?

  The water stays in the oral irrigator for some time between uses and, after a while, the germs that are still teeming in the supply water in harmless concentrations seize their opportunity: they multiply in the water within a short period. This can cause the oral irrigator to become a germ irrigator. The actual purpose of the oral irrigator is thereby not fulfilled. This water then washes gums and periodontal pockets. SecoSan prevents the contamination of your oral irrigator, hence always ensuring impeccably hygienic water.

• Why must distilled water be used for the production of hygiene spray?

  For hygiene spray, we require a certain amount of silver ions in water compared to all the other applications. In drinking water, the mobile silver ions are bound to the active surface of the SecoSan material. In distilled water, on the other hand, we have a concentration of free active silver ions in the water of up to 1,000 µg/l.

• Is SecoSan suitable for cleaning or hygiene sealing?

  No, SecoSan is not suitable for cleaning or hygiene sealing. However, with hygiene spray, silver ions are spread on the surfaces to be treated with each spray, where they inhibit the growth of existing or future bacteria – and hence also viruses and fungi. The surfaces include such things as cutting boards, refrigerators, sports equipment and saunas.

• Why can people not drink distilled water?

  Drinking distilled water in moderation does not pose any severe health risks. On the contrary, excessive consumption poses the risk of water poisoning, as is also the case with normal water. Distilled water is hence only dangerous in large quantities and then only if the lacking electrolyte quantity resulting from the nutrition is also not balanced. However, distilled water is a severe risk for the body if it directly enters the blood (e.g. via an infusion). In this case, body cells can burst due to the process of osmosis.

• Is SecoSan a cleaning or disinfecting agent?

  No. Despite its proven germ-killing effect, it may only be used as a preservation agent (TVO).

• Can SecoSan also be used as a type of cleaning agent?

  Not as a cleaning agent, but SecoSan works as a reliable hygiene spray (which you can easily make yourself with distilled water in a spray can and a SecoSan stick) on surfaces and in textiles, in the household or on the move. The effect of SecoSan is based on the bacteria-inhibiting property of silver ions. Silver ions are spread on the surfaces to be treated with each spray, where they inhibit the growth of existing or future bacteria – and hence also the formation of viruses and fungi. The surfaces include such things as cutting boards, refrigerators, sports equipment and saunas.

• Can I use SecoSan in drinking flasks made of aluminum?

  In contrast to other products, SecoSan can be used in all drinking vessels. The problem with aluminum flasks is corrosion (pitting) A test reveled that SecoSan does not cause corrosion – or pitting, in other words. You can find the test results on our homepage under the heading "Test results, Certificates".

• Why should I use SecoSan in drinking flasks?

  Bacteria, which multiply particularly quickly in warm temperatures during the summer, enter the water through contact with saliva. This produces unpleasant smells and the water no longer tastes good. SecoSan maintains the water quality in your drinking flask, including drinking flasks made of aluminum.

• Is SecoSan nano-silver?

  No, SecoSan is not nano-silver! The scale of nano-silver to SecoSan is the same as that of a human to Mount Everest.

• Can the silver transfer from clothing onto the skin?

  No, the silver ions are stuck on the clothing and only become active when bacteria are transferred to the clothing when carrying, e.g. through sweating. The antimicrobial effect of the silver ions prevents the multiplication of bacteria and fungi and deprives viruses of their basis for life.

• Does SecoSan effectively fight against the emergence of algae?

  SecoSan is practical for use in aquariums and ponds. It has proven to be effective against algae and can prevent more algae from forming. According to our tests, the reformation of algae is reduced by well over 90 %, meaning that the aquarium / pond ecosystem stays at a natural balance. Tip: For an optimum result, it is advised to thoroughly remove all visible algae before using SecoSan. Then simply install SecoSan behind the last filter stage in front of the water outlet so that the entire pond or aquarium water comes into contact with it. If there is already an infestation of algae, the first results will normally be visible after 4-5 days. You can find all the test results on our homepage under the heading "Test Results, Certificates".

• What types of algae are combated?

  The growth of green algae, blue algae and red algae is significantly inhibited. SecoSan can simply be installed behind the last filter stage in front of the water outlet so that the entire pond or aquarium water comes into contact with it. This effectively prevents the formation of new algae and fights against existing algae. If there is already an infestation of algae, SecoSan normally takes effect within 4-5 days. You can find all the test results on our homepage under the heading "Test Results, Certificates".

• Can Secosan only be used in ponds with filter systems?

  No, the effectiveness does not depend on the presence of a filter system. Simply put a sufficient amount of SecoSan in the pond. Use our requirement calculator for this. The decomposition products of algae and other sediments afflict the surface of SecoSan over time, causing a reduction in effectiveness after several months and hence the possibility of new algae forming. Therefore, in ponds with filter systems, SecoSan must be cleaned under running water at regular intervals. Tip: Always position SecoSan near to a pump so that it has as much contact with the surface as possible.

• Does SecoSan make turbid water clear again?

  If the turbidity is caused by the increased emergence of algae, then the answer is generally yes. You can find all test results on our homepage under the heading "Test results, Certificates".

• Turbid pond water despite the use of SecoSan?

  If you use well water for your pond, this can, depending on the type and composition of the well water (well water can for example also be muddy, sour, sulfurous or very ferrous), cause a normal turbidity of your aquarium / pond water, which not even SecoSan can prevent. You can find all test results on our homepage under the heading "Test results, Certificates".

• What happens to the algae that die off?

  Dead algae are decomposed in the aquarium / pond by animals, insects and microorganisms or filtered out during active filtering. The decomposed products sink to the ground. You can find all test results on our homepage under the heading "Test results, Certificates".

• Can SecoSan be used in fish farms?

  In test series, no impact on full-grown fish was found through using SecoSan. Fish spawn and daphnia, however, showed reactions. For this reason, it is not recommended to use SecoSan in fish farms or in aquariums, in which offspring are desired. However, this may be an advantage, since offspring are not generally desired in ponds and aquariums (overpopulation).

• Can SecoSan prevent the overpopulation in aquariums and ponds?

  Yes, fish spawn and daphnia showed reactions in test series with SecoSan. For this reason, it is recommended to use SecoSan in aquariums or ponds where offspring are not desired. No impact was found on full-grown fish in test series.

• What are anti-algae agents and how do they work?

  Standard anti-algae agents are generally made of copper.

  Our sole and exclusive aim with SecoSan is comfortable water hygiene. Copper-based anti-algae agents, however, harm the environment unnecessarily. The effective copper dosage is many times higher than the effective dosage of silver and hence SecoSan.

• Why should I use SecoSan in animal troughs?

  Animal troughs are particularly infested with bacteria due to the animals' saliva Protect your beloved pet entirely without the addition of chemical preservatives. Please note that the stick should be placed in such a way that it cannot be swallowed, otherwise there is a risk of suffocation. Thanks to SecoSan, germs in the troughs that are harmless to pets can no longer multiply and enter the ambient air. Otherwise this could be dangerous for the owner, particularly in the case of tropical pets.

• What effect does SecoSan have on open wounds, cuts etc.?

  Silver has been used in medicine for millennia. The Chinese used it to develop acupuncture approximately 7000 years ago. They used both gold and silver needles for this. Silver is used in medicine today for wound healing, among other things. Severe burns in particular are treated with silver-bearing bandages. So SecoSan based on silver has no negative effects – quite the opposite. When used correctly, it can even have astonishing effects in medicine.

• Can humans or animals have allergic reactions from using SecoSan?

  Hardly any allergic reactions are known.

• Is there a risk of resistance of germs and bacteria against SecoSan?

  A real germ resistance is unknown. SecoSan is based on the antimicrobial effect of silver ions known in Ancient Egypt around 3000 years ago. They found that water remained drinkable for longer when it was stored in silver vessels.

• Is it true that silver was already being used in medicine in ancient times?

  Silver has been used in medicine for millennia. The Chinese used it to develop acupuncture approximately 7000 years ago, whereby they used silver needles as well as gold ones. It was also known in Ancient Egypt 3000 years ago that water remained drinkable for longer when stored in silver vessels. The most famous physicians from ancient times, such as Hippocrates, Avicenna and Paracelsus, used silver for various medical purposes.

• Is SecoSan harmful to the bacteria in the intestinal flora when used / ingested regularly?

  SecoSan ensures that the limit values of the Drinking Water Ordinance are complied with so that you can drink water treated with SecoSan your whole life.

• Does SecoSan accumulate in the body?

  SecoSan ensures that the Drinking Water Ordninance is complied with. According to the Drinking Water Ordinance, a concentration of 0.08 mg/l is permissible in drinking water. This reference value is undershot many times over (see test reports).

  Explanation: Silver is stored in the body. The permissible amount can be taken from the so-called ADI values (Average Daily Intake). The values are selected in such a way that no health risks are posed when ingesting it for practically a whole lifetime. The limit values of the Drinking Water Ordinance are selected in such a way that the amounts ingested via drinking water do not exceed the ADI limit. According to TVO, 0.08 mg/l apply to silver. A recommendation of 0.1 mg/l is given worldwide (USA, CH).

• Is SecoSan toxic if swallowed?

  No, SecoSan is withdrawn in the natural way, such as is also the case with a silver ring. Practically no silver is lost in the process. However, there is a risk of suffocation from swallowing it, so you should keep it away from children at all costs.

• Why is SecoSan registered as a biocide?

  When a substance is referred to as a preservative, then it is automatically deemed a biocide and must be permitted. According to the EU Gefahrstoffverordnung (Ordinance on Hazardous Substances), however, it is not deemed a hazardous substance.

• Are any side effects or interactions known with drugs such as the anti-baby pill?

  No side effects or interactions are known.

• Is SecoSan harmful during pregnancy or lactation?

  No side effects or interactions are to be expected during pregnancy or lactation.

• Are there particular high-risk groups with certain medical conditions?

  Nothing has been found to date.

• Is the silver release harmless to humans and animals?

  The silver ion concentration is minimal, since SecoSan only releases silver ions when it comes into contact with bacteria and germs. According to the Drinking Water Ordinance, a concentration of 0.08 mg/l is permissible in drinking water. This reference value is significantly undershot.

• Is there a test for determining the silver ion concentration in water?

  The concentration of silver ions in the water is so low when using SecoSan that it is practically unverifiable. However, such tests can only be performed by qualified test laboratories.

• What separates SecoSan from other silver technologies?

  The difference merely lies in a razor-thin protective and functional layer, which is applied using a patented procedure. This layer constituting just 0.1 – 0.3 % of the overall SecoSan mass is responsible for the unique performance. The phrase "Small cause, large effect" applies here: since there are mobile silver ions present on this special surface which are released in direct contact with germs.

• Why is SecoSan unique?

  Only SecoSan possesses the manufactured, self-regulating, self-protecting and self-regenerating surface according to the patented procedure. As a result, there are always sufficient amounts of silver ions available and the surface is stable for longer periods of time. No other product can manage that! Due to the way silver ions are supplied as a unique silver technology, SecoSan can dispense with releasing measurable silver quantities into the water to be protected.

• Is SecoSan a panacea? Does it always work everywhere?

  The effect of SecoSan has been scientifically proven several times. But it is not a panacea. There are a few circumstances that restrict the effect of SecoSan or even hinder it. But SecoSan does work in over 95 % of all appropriate applications and that is scientifically proven!

• Is SecoSan itself likely to present a risk?

  No! SecoSan is manufactured according to a patented procedure and represents a so-called electrode of the second kind. This ensures that no verifiable silver concentrations can build up in drinking water in proper use.

• Why does SecoSan work even though no silver is found in the water?

  In comparison with all other products based on silver, the active silver ions in SecoSan do not enter the water before they are required, but remain fixed as a thin diffusion layer in the immediate surroundings of the SecoSan surface. The possible interaction of the germs in the water with the mobile silver ions stored on the surface as a result of the internal dynamics is itself sufficient for achieving an excellent antimicrobial effect.

• What advantage does SecoSan have in indoor fountains?

  On the one hand, SecoSan prevents the emergence of unpleasant smells and algae formation through its antimicrobial effect. On the other hand, SecoSan also protects against the formation of hazardous legionella. Legionella are bacteria that live in water. They prefer ambient temperatures between 25 °C and 50 °C. Legionella are normally only hazardous to humans when they are inhaled through steam. This can lead to an infection. A healthy person can theoretically drink water infested with legionella without getting sick.

• What advantage does SecoSan have in radiator humidifiers?

  On the one hand, SecoSan prevents the emergence of unpleasant smells and algae formation through its antimicrobial effect. On the other hand, SecoSan also protects against the formation of hazardous legionella. Legionella are bacteria that live in water. They prefer ambient temperatures between 25 °C and 50 °C. Legionella are normally only hazardous to humans when they are inhaled through steam. This can lead to an infection. A healthy person can theoretically drink water infested with legionella without getting sick.

• Do bacteria from the water enter the air?

  Yes, bacteria and germs particularly enter the air through humidifiers, nebulizers or evaporators. In nebulizing devices, for example, the humidifier water can become contaminated rapidly and pollute the ambient air with bacteria, mold and its cell components, which are in turn problematic for allergy sufferers.

• What advantage does SecoSan have in air humidifiers?

  Air humidifiers can mutate into the purest germ sources. They then spread the bacteria and viruses from the water into the breathable air. SecoSan protects against the formation of hazardous bacteria, viruses and legionella. Legionella are bacteria that live in water. They prefer ambient temperatures between 25 °C and 50 °C. Legionella are normally only hazardous to humans when they are inhaled through steam. This can lead to an infection. A healthy person can theoretically drink water infested with legionella without getting sick. Apart from that, SecoSan prevents the emergence of unpleasant smells and algae formation through its antimicrobial effect.

• Why should you not use air humidifiers without a hygrostat?

  Air humidifiers without a hygrostat release the humidity into the ambient air uncontrolled. The humidity in the air hence increases to an extent in which all bacteria feel comfortable and multiply extremely quickly. Mold formation in rooms is hence preprogrammed in the event of incorrect operation. In this instance, not even SecoSan, which only takes effect on the water in the air humidifier and not the humidity in the air, can stop this. We therefore recommend using air humidifiers with an installed hygrostat. Here, SecoSan can develop its full effect and protect the breathable air against hazardous bacteria.

• What advantage does SecoSan have in air coolers?

  On the one hand, SecoSan prevents the emergence of unpleasant smells and algae formation through its antimicrobial effect. On the other hand, SecoSan also protects against the formation of hazardous legionella. Legionella are bacteria that live in water. They prefer ambient temperatures between 25 °C and 50 °C. Legionella are normally only hazardous to humans when they are inhaled through steam, which can lead to infection.

• Can SecoSan be used as a preservative together with surfactants or water hygiene agents?

  In principle, yes. However, special substances can influence the durability and number of available silver ions. We recommend either using SecoSan on its own (for clean drinking water as a water source) or combining it with oxidative hygiene agents such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, active oxygen, hydrogen peroxide (if the drinking water quality is questionable, for example when on holiday). For environmental reasons, solutions based on active oxygen are preferred. Standard softening agents based on citric acid are recommended for decalcification.

• What are water hygiene agents and how do they work? (e.g. for air humidifiers)

  Standard water hygiene agents normally consist of a chemical mix such as (predominantly) surfactants, preservatives and fragrances. The substances in these are usually not specified on the packaging for a good reason.
  
  Surfactants, the main component in water hygiene agents, have the property of reducing the surface tension of the water in order to achieve a better evaporation performance of the air humidifier. All soaps, rinsing agents etc. do this as well.
  
  However, surfactant-based water hygiene agents pollute the environment unnecessarily and, what's worse, it also pollutes the health of the user – fragrances and surfactants are hazardous substances within the meaning of the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (allergenic and irritant).
  
  In our opinion, a water hygiene agent should only be responsible for the water hygiene and not for the improved performance of the air humidifier. There are already more modern solutions, whereby the evaporation carriers themselves are hydrophilically coated. In this way, the same effect is achieved without permanently releasing chemicals via the water and into the ambient air.

• Is SecoSan better than liquid water hygiene agents based on surfactants?

  The purpose of keeping water hygienic using water hygiene agents is also achieved by SecoSan, only in a different way. We do not doubt the chemical effectiveness of water hygiene agents, but we believe that SecoSan is the technically and financially better alternative for protecting clean drinking water from bacteria and germs safely, simply and for a long time. With SecoSan, drinking water remains drinking water, and even allergy sufferers do not need to concern themselves with the possible side effects of SecoSan.

• Are there limit values for protecting employees against hazards from biological agents at work?

  Yes, the EC Directive 90/69/EEC regulates these limit values. These are:

  General air limit values:

  10,000 CFU/m³ in the breathable air

  Endotoxin concentration < 0.1 µg/m³

  For air humidification:

  1,000 CFU/m³ in the breathable air

  1,000 CFU/ml in the humidifier water

• What are terpenes and what is dangerous about them?

  Terpenes are added to cleaning agents such as hygiene agents in air humidifiers as a fragrance. It is these that make woods smell so pleasant and fill the ambient air with their fragrance when solid wood furniture is freshly varnished.

  Terpenes can cause allergic reactions in those that are sensitive to them and they also have a sensitizing effect when people are exposed to them for a long period of time (also applies to sub-acute doses). A cancer-inducing effect has been suspected and is currently under investigation.

  High doses and direct skin contact can cause eczema and irritation to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes.

• Are natural fragrance oils harmless in air humidifiers?

  Citrus terpenes and balsam turpentine oils are recommended as alternatives to chemical hygiene agents. With regard to health hazards, these substances are not harmless. Natural solvents can cause acute symptoms such as irritation to the mucous membranes and intoxication when inhaled in large quantities. The allergenic effect of a series of natural solvents is known; the carcinogenic potential for their decomposed products is being discussed.

  Citrus terpenes:

  These natural substances can be allergenic and trigger headaches, dizziness and drowsiness in some people. A suspected cancer-inducing effect is being tested.

  Carene:

  This can cause irritation to the conjunctiva, mucous membranes with a cough and skin rashes. A high dosage can cause dizziness and unconsciousness. Long-term high dosage can lead to bowel irritation, as well as damage to the kidneys and bladder.

• What advantage does SecoSan have in toilet tanks?

  On the one hand, SecoSan prevents the emergence of unpleasant smells, biofilm and algae formation through its antimicrobial effect. Whoever has opened a toilet tank before and looked inside knows what this means. On the other hand, SecoSan also protects against the formation of hazardous bacteria. So-called aerosols (small floating particles), which enter the breathable air via convection, form with every flush This bacteria-infested water fog can lead to infections.

• What are legionella?

  Legionella are thermophilic bacteria that live in water. In particular, the legionella type pneumophila can trigger the infamous legionellosis, colloquially known as legionnaires' disease. Legionella find ideal living conditions above all in hot water treatment plants, cold water pipes that are exposed to heat or stagnant pipes (closed pipes which, despite being closed, are still connected to the drinking water system): They prefer places with a temperature between 25 °C and 50 °C, fresh water feeding and prolonged periods of inactivity.

• How are legionella transmitted to humans?

  Legionella are normally only hazardous to humans when they are inhaled through steam. A healthy person can theoretically drink water infested with legionella without getting sick, but whereby there is also the risk of infested water entering the air passages due to a reduced swallowing reflex, for example. But a fine spray mist, which can be inhaled, is generated through showers, whirlpools, saunas or lawn sprinklers. If the water is infested with legionella, this can lead to infection.

• How does legionellosis manifest itself?

  The mild form of this disease is called Pontiac fever. It manifests itself after two to a maximum of five days of incubation through flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, fever, headaches and joint pains. Pontiac fever usually passes off without treatment after a few days; isolated cases are not notifiable in accordance with the Infection Protection Act.

  In more serious cases of legionnaires' disease, sudden symptoms usually occur after approximately 10 days of incubation, such as high fever, shivering, dry cough, chest pains and breathlessness. Legionnaires' disease can result in pneumonia, which can be serious and even life-threatening. If the nervous system is also attacked, the patient can become dizzy or even confused.

  An initial diagnosis can be determined by a urine sample, whereby only some types of legionella can be verified. A sure way would be to take a sample from the lung. Legionnaires' disease is notifiable in accordance with the Infection Protection Act.

• What can be done if an infestation of legionella has been discovered in an apartment building, for example?

  If a legionella contamination has been discovered, you should act quickly. Depending on the findings, the health authorities can even order a shower ban or similar immediate measures, which can in turn have unpleasant consequences such as losses in the rental income in the case of an apartment building.

  An immediate measure, which is much less expensive and still ensures safety, is to use SecoSan pads in combination with a special membrane filter, which is also used in hospitals:

  The dual technology from SecoSan pads and membrane filters reliably ensures that no germs such as legionella can enter the ambient air from the faucet or shower – the water is germ-free when leaving the faucet or shower head.

• What can be done against legionella in the long term?

  If a contamination of legionella is determined, the drinking water plant must be disinfected and sanified if possible. Another alternative procedure is the dual technology from SecoSan pads and membrane filters. If the drinking water plant is freed of legionella contamination, the SecoSan pad provides an ideal prophylactic measure for recontamination.

  The SecoSan protection has proven to continue for at least 6 months.

• Does colloidal silver also ensure germ-free water like SecoSan?

  It is often believed that colloidal silver can simply be put into the water and all the bacteria in it will disappear after just a few minutes. But colloidal silver is nano-silver, which releases silver ions through uncontrolled corrosion. Colloids contain 50 - 100 mg of silver per liter – a thousand times the value of the TVO.

  Nano-silver can enter the body through the lung. Since the particles are 1,000 times smaller than a human hair, they are able to enter organs such as the brain, liver and lung, and accumulate there. Nano-silver can trigger inflammatory reactions, which can result in organ failure.

  Due to its larger size, SecoSan is not nano-silver. In comparison with all other products based on silver, the active silver ions do not enter the water before they are required, but remain fixed as a thin diffusion layer on the SecoSan surface. The possible interaction of the germs in the water with the mobile silver ions stored on the surface as a result of the internal dynamics is itself sufficient for achieving an excellent antimicrobial effect. No silver can be inhaled even during evaporation or in the presence of fine mist.

• What is the difference between SecoSan and colloidal silver?

  Colloidal silver is nano-silver, which releases silver ions through uncontrolled corrosion. Colloids contain 50 - 100 mg of silver per liter – a thousand times the value of the TVO.

  Nano-silver can enter the body through the lung. Since the particles are 1,000 times smaller than a human hair, they are able to enter organs such as the brain, liver and lung, and accumulate there. Nano-silver can trigger inflammatory reactions, which can result in organ failure.

  Due to its larger size, SecoSan is not nano-silver. In comparison with all other products based on silver, the active silver ions do not enter the water before they are required, but remain fixed as a thin diffusion layer on the SecoSan surface. The possible interaction of the germs in the water with the mobile silver ions stored on the surface as a result of the internal dynamics is itself sufficient for achieving an excellent antimicrobial effect. No silver can be inhaled even during evaporation or in the presence of fine mist.

  Colloidal silver is provided in shower heads or products for water conservation, for example.

• Why is nano-silver dangerous?

  Nano particles are 1,000 times finer than a human hair and hence enter the body via the lung (in a similar way to asbestos). They are able to enter organs such as the brain, lung or liver, and accumulate there. Nano-silver triggers inflammatory reactions, which can result in organ failure.

• Why do other products with high silver concentrations have to work so hard in water?

  Because only SecoSan has the surface manufactured according to a patented procedure, which transfers silver ions to the germs in the water where necessary. All other products must have a large amount of silver ions available in reserve in order to be prepared for all eventualities. These systems cannot respond to the actual demand in the way that only SecoSan can. SecoSan, which was not tested by the Federal Environment Agency at the time, hence introduces practically no silver ions to the environment, as the Federal Environment Agency found in their report on several other silver products.

  In principle, all other technologies work according to the top-down principle, which means that you start with a high excess of silver in the water so that there are always sufficient – actually far too many – silver ions available for all imaginable cases. SecoSan works according to the bottom-up principle, which means that you start with a silver concentration of zero in the water and only replace the silver ions consumed by bacteria. The kinetics of this process are such that, in total, just as much silver is released as is required for combating microorganisms without building up unnecessary silver concentrations in the water. Normally, this is zero (exact: lower than the response level of 0.001 mg/l).

• Is there a chloride content after which SecoSan will no longer work?

  In principle, SecoSan always works, but becomes slightly more sluggish with an increasing chloride content. However, the chloride content for average drinking water is in the optimum range.

• Is silver released into the environment?

  No, with SecoSan, a solution has been found for preventing silver from entering the environment practically when using it properly. For this purpose, practical tests on dispensers and camping tanks were carried out. No silver was found in the water during these tests and, therefore, no silver can discharge into the environment either. So the antimicrobial effect is not transferred via the silver ions dissolved in the water, but primarily via contact between the SecoSan surface and the bacterium. And this is exactly what is unique about SecoSan compared with other products for water treatment.

• Do silver ions enter surface waters through SecoSan?

  Under normal conditions of use, no measurable silver quantities enter the environment. This has been confirmed by several independent tests. However, in extreme conditions (long stagnation, high SecoSan loading), silver traces can actually be found in the water well below the limit and reference values. These then behave like "normal" silver ions. A report from the Federal Environment Agency proves, however, that due to the high sorption of silver compounds with the organic substance or formation of silver compounds that are difficult to dissolve, the risk of silver ions in surface waters is to be classified as low. All the more so with SecoSan, where still no silver ions have been found in the water under practical conditions and, even in extreme conditions, the released silver quantity is significantly below the released silver quantities of other silver products .

• Do silver ions enter sewage water through SecoSan?

  Under normal conditions of use, no measurable silver quantities enter the environment. This has been confirmed by several independent tests. However, in extreme conditions (long stagnation, high SecoSan loading), silver traces can actually be found in the water well below the limit and reference values. These then behave like "normal" silver ions. A report from the Federal Environment Agency proves, however, that due to the high sorption of silver compounds with the organic substance or formation of silver compounds that are difficult to dissolve, the risk of silver ions in sewage water is to be classified as low. All the more so with SecoSan, where still no silver ions have been found in the water under practical conditions and, even in extreme conditions, the released silver quantity is significantly below the released silver quantities of other silver products.

• Does SecoSan have an impact on the sewage sludge in the sewage system?

  Under normal conditions of use, no measurable silver quantities enter the environment. This has been confirmed by several independent tests. However, in extreme conditions (long stagnation, high SecoSan loading), silver traces can actually be found in the water well below the limit and reference values. These then behave like "normal" silver ions. A report from the Federal Environment Agency proves, however, that due to the high sorption of silver compounds on the organic substance or formation of silver compounds that are difficult to dissolve, the risk of silver ions on sewage sludge is to be classified as low. All the more so with SecoSan, where still no silver ions have been found in the water under practical conditions and, even in extreme conditions, the released silver quantity is significantly below the released silver quantities of other silver products.

• Does SecoSan also work in salt water?

  SecoSan only works in salt water to a limited degree. So it is recommended to use SecoSan in fresh water for aquariums, for example (not for fish breeding, though).

• What happens to the silver ions that are released onto the bacterium?

  These silver ions are bound to the bacterium and are hence no longer active. This means that no silver ions can be found in the water with SecoSan, since no measurable silver ions are released into the water during proper use.

• Are the germs in the coffee machine etc. killed by the heat?

  No, the contact times and the actual reached temperatures are not enough to reliably kill the germs. This was demonstrated by a Test on the program "Servicezeit" on the German TV station WDR, which was carried out in collaboration with the SGS Institut Fresenius in Traunstein. In two out of six coffee samples, the experts found an excessive bacteria contamination – more than is permitted for drinking water, for example. And even if the short brewing process killed the bacteria, there would still be the problem of the dead bacteria and the toxic or nauseating metabolites (endotoxins). Those who want to be safe and preserve a good coffee taste are better off using the SecoSan stick. (Please take a look at our survey on this on Facebook).

• Can SecoSan protect my equipment (e.g. coffee machine)?

  Yes! In a Test on the program "Servicezeit" on the German TV station WDR, which was carried out in collaboration with the SGS Institut Fresenius in Traunstein, has found that all tested water tanks exhibit high amounts of bacteria as well as yeasts and mold fungi. These germs form biofilms on the inner surfaces and enter the piping system partially through flushing. So when the water in the tank is conserved – with the SecoSan stick – this prevents bacteria from entering the machine in this way and growing into solid biofilms in the piping system. If this has already happened, then the only thing that will help is to clean the machine thoroughly according to the manufacturers' instructions.

• Is SecoSan toxic?

  Since the silver coating of SecoSan is an anti-soluble compound, the bioavailability of the silver ions is regulated. According to a study of the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland on the subject of nano-silver - the brilliance is deceiving, this can generally be understood as "detoxification".