Frequently asked questions

For more information contact Todd Coulter todd.coulter@ca.transport.bombardier.com

What is the Bombardier AST Treatment Program?

The Bombardier AST Program is an antimicrobial treatment program that prevents and significantly reduces the spread of germs including H1N1, bird flu, SARS, as well as common cold and flu viruses.

Is it environmentally friendly?

The Bombardier AST Program is an invisible eco-friendly shield that reduces microbes that come into contact with it, preventing surfaces from being contaminated even after they are touched. AST treatment has been shown to be effective against the family of Influenza Virus A group, including H1N1, bird flu, SARS, as well as common cold and flu viruses.

Is it safe?

Proven Treatment: The Bombardier AST Program is powered by AEGIS Microbe Shield Technology - the same technology that is used in hospitals, by professional sports teams and major brand manufacturers including:

Hospitals	Sports Brands and Facilities
Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, Picton, NS Nova Scotia Rehabillitatiion Hospital, Halifax, NS Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, III. Phoenix Heart Institute, Phoenix AZ MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York, NY	Nike - Adidas - Reebok US Army Minnesota Vikings Training Facility New York Yankees Training Facility Washington Redskins Training Facilities Washington Wizards Training Facilities

*After a thorough evaluation by the operations department as well as our medical staff, we decided to have several key areas of Yankee Stadium with the AEGIS Microbe Shield. * Doug Behar, Senior Director Stadium Operations, New York Yankees

Safe: eco-friendly and safe for people and the environment. It is colourless and odourless. AST is non-leaching because it bonds to, and becomes part of, the treated surface. It received Health Canada approval in 1995

How long will The AST Treatment Program remain effective?

Efficient and effective: The program has been developed for aircraft, transit vehicles, airports and transit stations. The Bombardier AST Program neutralizes up to 99% of microbes on contact and remains effective for up to a full year

Is AST just a more powerful bleach or cleaner?

Not a cleanser: Cleaning products keep a surface clean only until it is touched again. The Bombardier AST Program prevents surfaces from being contaminated even after they are touched.

AST is the only antimicrobial treatment of its kind approved for use in Canada.

How does Bombardier AST Treatment Program work?

When a microbe comes into contact with the treated surface, AST eliminates the germ. The treatment does not breakdown and doesn’t lose its strength, so it’s ready and waiting for the next germ.

How is it different than Purell?

AST is not a cleaning product. It is an antimicrobial. Hand sanitizers disinfect your hands, but as soon as you touch a surface, you can pick up germs again. AST antimicrobial focuses on the common surfaces we touch in everyday life, and dramatically reduces the amount of germs on that surface. Further, when a germ does get onto that surface, AST eliminates it and prevents surfaces from being contaminated again. It is also effective for up to a full year. Studies show it reduces the presence of microbes on aircraft by up to 99%.

How is it unique?

AST is unique in a number of ways:

It prevents surfaces from being contaminated and reduces the spread of germs

It is the only antimicrobial of its kind in Canada

It’s safe and proven; powered by Aegis Microbe Shield Technology.

Long-lasting: up to a full year between applications

Highly effective: reduces microbes on aircraft by up to 99%

What are the active ingredients? What’s it made of?

AST is powered by ÆGIS Microbe Shield® Technology. Aegis supplies the product to Bombardier. The product itself is best described as an “organo-saline in water”. It is a colorless, odorless material that is non-flammable, non-reactive, and is safe for both people and the environment.