Quaternary ammonium compounds, commonly called “quats,” are a broad class of chemical disinfectants widely used in hospitals, households, and commercial cleaners. While many quats are effective at killing microbes, several are associated with health risks due to their chemical attachments and residue. Goldshield, used in the Pure Maintenance two-step process, is technically classified as a quat by chemical definition but functions differently and is designed as a protective, non-toxic mechanical barrier—not a traditional disinfectant.
Quats are nitrogen-based compounds where a central nitrogen atom is bonded to four organic groups. The near-infinite variations of these attached groups create numerous forms of quats, many of which serve as sanitizers or disinfectants. However, certain widely used quats are considered harmful due to how they interact with biological systems, contribute to chemical exposure, and potentially promote antimicrobial resistance. Goldshield differs from these traditional quats because it is not designed to kill microbes chemically but to create a covalent, inhospitable surface barrier once applied.
Why are traditional quats considered controversial?
Many common quats are classified as potent disinfectants that kill microbes by breaking down proteins, disrupting cell walls, coagulating organic matter, or oxidizing cells. These formulations often appear in wipes, sprays, and cleaning products marketed as antibacterial. The concern arises from the chemical groups attached to the nitrogen core, which can make certain quats hazardous to human health and the environment.
Some quats are linked to:
- Skin, eye, and respiratory irritation
- Contact dermatitis (estimated in 13–34% of cases)
- Asthma onset or triggering
- Reproductive and developmental harm
- Mucous membrane injuries from exposure
- Potential creation of resistant “superbugs”
Examples of harmful quat types include:
- Benzalkonium Chloride
- Benzethonium Chloride
- Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC compounds)
- Dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC compounds)
How is Goldshield different from traditional quats?
Goldshield (used in Pure Maintenance’s EverPure step) shares the nitrogen-core structure that defines quats but does not behave like common chemical disinfectant quats. Instead of releasing toxic compounds or attacking microbes chemically, Goldshield forms a bonded mechanical surface structure designed to make treated materials inhospitable to microbial growth.
Goldshield is technically named trihydroxsilypropyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, but despite the intimidating chemical name, it is a water-soluble protective agent—not a biocidal disinfectant. Its purpose is long-lasting protection following sterilization, not chemical destruction of pathogens.
How does the Pure Maintenance two-step system use quats safely?
The Pure Maintenance method uses two stages with different purposes:
- Step 1: Sterilization using peracetic acid, an EPA-listed safer-choice antimicrobial that breaks down into oxygen and water.
- Step 2: Application of Goldshield, a mechanical, surface-binding protective molecule that prevents microbial attachment.
This combination avoids harmful quat chemicals while still providing long-lasting microbial protection.