| abstract |
A method for controlling the growth of micro-organisms in conjunction with construction of building includes the steps of applying a non-woven fabric containing at least one antimicrobial agent to floor or wall surfaces where micro-organisms can reside; applying a covering thereover, the fabric forming a barrier between the surface and the covering, whereby passage of micro-organisms through the covering to the underlying surface is inhibited by the fabric. Non-woven fabrics (18) for controlling the growth of micro-organisms in buildings comprise from 50 to about 100 percent by weight of a synthetic fiber, containing at least one antimicrobial agent, in an amount of about 25 to 50,000 parts per million of the fiber, by weight and, from 0 to about 50 percent by weight of a synthetic fiber, devoid of antimicrobial agents, the non-woven fabric being employed to surfaces beneath subsequent covering materials. |