5.1 Methods such as D3273 Standard Test Method for Resistance to Growth of Mold on the Surface of Interior Coatings in an Environmental Chamber and D3274 Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Degree of Surface Disfigurement of Paint Films by Fungal or Algal Growth or Soil or Dirt Accumulation provide means for assessing mold and algal staining on paints.

5.2 This test method provides a technique for evaluating antimicrobials in or on polymeric solids against staining by Streptomyces species, bacteria and should assist in the prediction of performance of treated articles under actual field conditions.

5.3 Conditioning of the specimens, such as exposure to leaching, weathering, and heat treatment, may have significant effects on performance of antimicrobials against staining. Determination of these effects is not included in this test method.

1.1 This test method is intended to assess susceptibility of vinyl and other solid polyer products as well as products that may directly contact vinyl to pink-staining by the actinomycete bacteria Streptomyces species.

1.2 This test method is not suitable for evaluating dark-pigmented test samples.

1.3 A knowledge of microbiological techniques is recommended for these procedures.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.