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Many people have devised their own mechanisms to prevent these creatures from entering their houses. They succeed in keeping commonly found insects away to a large extent.

Today, various anti-insect, anti-fungus, anti-bacterial and anti-dust-mite products are available in the market. In October, the Artilin series of products from France was launched in Kozhikode city. “The Artilin range consists of various paints. The anti-insect paint, on application, kills all flying and crawling insects that land on the painted surface. It gives houses a clean environment and keeps the home free of insects, fungi and bacteria,” says K.M. Basheer, chief executive officer, Ubique Distributors Ltd., based in Kozhikode city.

Artilin paints are ready to use, easy to apply and safe. It propels microscopic insecticide crystals to the surface of the paint layer.

These numerous crystals become the death arena for the insects. The paint offers long-term protection, working up to four years, he says.

These special-purpose paints can either be coated over the normal painting of the house or spread over walls and ceiling finished with white cement. Various colours are available to suit the aesthetic taste of an individual. “One kilogram of the material costs Rs. 800. A sum of Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 will be needed for painting a 1,000-sq.ft house. This includes labour costs,” Mr. Basheer says. Artilin paints are available for exteriors and interiors and come in matt, semi-gloss and gloss finishes. The one that comes in white colour can be blended to form any pastel shade of choice.

Artilin helps to eliminate and prevent fungus. The anti-fungus range of paints have specialised materials to fight fungi on the exterior and interior walls. Special paints are available to ensure safety even if it comes into frequent contact with foodstuff. Food-processing units and pharmaceutical companies can safely use these paints. Unlike conventional wall coating that has epoxy and polyurethane, Artilin anti-fungus paints are self-sterilising. There is a special disinfectant solution available for already infected walls and ceilings. Application of the disinfectant initially eliminates all traces of fungi and makes the walls ready for application of the anti-fungus paints for long-term protection. For new walls, no pre-treatment is necessary.

Another new product is bactesoie, also manufactured by Artilin. It is a weapon against hospital-acquired infections. Bactesoie is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungus paint that eliminates most commonly found bacteria and fungus. The Pasteur Institute has certified this semi-gloss paint.

BIJU GOVIND

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