Location - The Walter E. Washington Convention Center

BIOPROTECT^TM is a patented technology that combines a hospital grade 5-Log Kill 99.999% effective solution with a patented antimicrobial which provides long-lasting protection for our guests and staff. It is a surface treatment that provides a long-lasting layer of protection against harmful microorganisms, including algae, bacteria, fungi, and mold. BIOPROTECT^TM is non- toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable, odor-free and biodegradable. It meets OSHA standards and is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation as safe for use in kitchens and on food surfaces. It is registered as an antimicrobial preservative under EPA and FDA regulation to preserve food preparation surfaces and food contact articles.

The antimicrobial formulation was proven by two Centers of Excellence of the Global Virus Network to kill and provide residual surface protection against SARS-CoV-2 (the unique coronavirus that causes COVID-19) for more than six weeks.

The extensive independent laboratory tests were announced by the Global Virus Network, a coalition comprised of the world’s pre-eminent human and animal virologists from 53 Centers of Excellence and 10 Affiliates in 32 countries. Led by the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Australia and the Rega Medical Research Institute of KU Leuven in Belgium, both Centers of Excellence used state-of-the-art high containment virology facilities to independently conduct extensive tests on a BIOPROTECT^TM formulation to study its effects on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity on various surfaces.

SurfaceGuard technicians test and remediate all BIOPROTECT^TM treated surfaces every 30 days to certify and ensure that our treated venues are germ-free.

The WEWCC treats all furnishings, tables, chairs, fabric, doors, escalator treads, fixed handrails, and glass surfaces in the Center with the BIOPROTECT^TM process.

The NanoSeptic self-cleaning surface turns high traffic public touchpoints into continuously self- cleaning surfaces. Powered by light, NanoSeptic surfaces use mineral nanocrystals to create a powerful oxidation reaction. The surface continually oxidizes contaminants. Unlike traditional disinfectants or cleaners, the NanoSeptic surface uses no poisons, heavy metals, or chemicals. Nothing is released from the surface as the nanocrystals are molecularly bonded to the material.

The WEWCC has treated elevator buttons, door handles, copier machines and similar high-touch areas in the Center with the NanoSeptic product:

The Synexis DHP BioDefense System is a proprietary process that synthesizes Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP), the gaseous form of hydrogen peroxide, from ambient oxygen and humidity in rooms. DHP flows wherever the air flows in all the Center indoor spaces, safely and effectively breaking down pathogens in circulating air. By continuously flowing through the indoor spaces DHP reduces the level of viruses, bacteria, mold, and odors in the air and on all surfaces.

DHP is naturally safe; Underwriter Laboratories (UL) has declared the Synexis DHP BioDefense System to be non-ozone producing.

The WEWCC has installed the Synexis DHP BioDefense System in the HVAC systems serving the East and West Salons, all Meeting Rooms, and the Ballroom. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is the first convention center to install the Synexis DHP BioDefense System.

The Sterile Touch – Sapphire LED UV-C Handrail Sterilization module is used to efficiently disinfect the handrails of escalators to suppress the spread of viruses. Escalator handrails are typically cleaned by housekeepers wiping down the handrail surfaces; continuous cleaning requires a housekeeper to remain at the escalator and continuously wipe down the handrail. The Sterile Touch – Sapphire LED UV-C Handrail Sterilization module uses germicidal UVC light to irradiate handrails through a 270° direct exposure, ensuring that surface bacteria and viruses are effectively killed. The process is chemical-free, continuous, and automatic. The module is installed inside the escalator, ensuring passenger safety; handrails are automatically disinfected as they circulate through the module. With this physical disinfection process escalator handrails are disinfected in an efficient and environmentally manner.

Escalators equipped with the Sterile Touch – Sapphire LED UV-C Handrail Sterilization module are identified by signage mounted on the escalator balustrade interior panel.

The WEWCC  are installing the Sterile Touch – Sapphire LED UV-C Handrail Sterilization module on the most heavily used public escalators in the Center’s South (main entrance) and Middle (L Street entrance) Buildings.

Sharp’s exclusive patented Plasmacluster® ion technology eliminates microscopic pollutants that traditional air filters cannot trap, by replicating nature’s own cleaning process of producing positive and negative ions from water vapor in the air. These ions refresh the air without any harmful chemicals or perfumes.

Positive and negative ions are dispersed into the air using airborne water vapor. These ions actively attach to and break down pollutants. The ions neutralize their charge by pulling apart airborne pollutants, thereby reducing the pollutants in the air. The ions then return to the air as water vapor.

Pharmacluster^® ions are proven to significantly reduce bacteria viruses, mold and fungus.

The WEWCC has installed Sharp Plasmacluster Air Purifiers in each elevator in the Center.