Toilets and sinks that kill superbugs will be available ‘by end of the year’

TOILETS and taps that not only stop the spread of superbugs, but also wipe them out could be a reality by the end of the year.

Irish technology firm Kastus claims to have developed an effective and practical antimicrobial solution that kills harmful bacteria and microorganisms such as MRSA and E. coli.

The patented technology can be used to protect a range of everyday surfaces – including smartphones, glass, door handles and metals – against deadly superbugs. But the company, which launched its products earlier this year, said that ceramics were likely to be the first real-life application of the solution – with huge interest coming from ceramic and sanitary ware producers.

“I have no doubt that by the end of the year we will see superbug-resistant toilets coming onto the market,” John Browne, CEO and founder of Kastus, said.

“We are currently collaborating with a number of multinationals who are manufacturing ceramics and sanitary ware.”

He added that electronic devices were likely to be the next items to be made superbug resistant – items such as smartphones, microwaves and even fridge freezers.

The chemical solution is the first that can practically be used on everyday surfaces. Previous solutions needed UV light to be activated while Kastus’ products work in natural light.

Using nanotechnology, the new water-based solution can be applied to surfaces during the production process, rendering them 99.9pc resistant to superbugs like MRSA, E. coli and other fungi.

“Toilets, sinks, floor and wall tiles – all of these can be treated with our antimicrobial solution which means that you could have rooms which would be completely superbug resistant and in which no bacteria or bugs could survive,” added Mr Browne. “Think of the applications this would have for the likes of hospitals, public buildings and hotels.”