Indoor Air sciences CSMI Practice Exam

What are agents incorporated into materials to suppress microbial growth called?

1. Fungicides

2. Antimicrobial

3. Biocides

4. Encapsulants

The correct answer is: Antimicrobial

The term for agents incorporated into materials to suppress microbial growth is "antimicrobial." Antimicrobial agents encompass a range of substances that specifically target various types of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These agents can be added to various materials, such as paints, coatings, and textiles, to prevent the growth of harmful microbes and extend the longevity and safety of the products. Fungicides, while effective at killing fungi, do not cover the broader range of microorganisms that antimicrobial agents do. Biocides encompass a wider classification of compounds that can kill or inhibit different types of living organisms, including pests and weeds, but they are not specifically tailored for incorporation into materials in the same way that antimicrobials are. Encapsulants are materials used to enclose or protect substances but do not specifically refer to agents that suppress microbial growth. Thus, "antimicrobial" is the most accurate term for agents that serve the specific purpose of inhibiting microbial activity within materials.