A FLOOR covering made in Kirkcaldy, already being used as an effective weapon in the fight against MRSA, has now been shown to kill the highly contagious winter vomiting virus which causes outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in hospitals every year.

Professor Curtis Gemmell, Emeritus Professor of Bacterial Infection and Epidemiology at Glasgow University and former director of the Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory, announced the landmark new finding yesterday.

He has demonstrated the potency of Marmoleum, Forbo Flooring Systems’ brand name for linoleum, as a powerful weapon against MRSA and has confirmed the floor covering also kills winter vomiting virus (also known as Norovirus or Norwalk Virus.)

The firm is well known for its flooring products and is part of Forbo Holding AG, the world’s biggest linoleum producer.

Linoleum was invented by Frederick Walton in 1863 and in 1877 was perfected by Michael Nairn in Kirkcaldy, where it has been produced ever since.

Marmoleum has a life span of at least 25 years and the inherent bactericidal qualities, confirmed by Professor Gemmell, are prevalent for its full lifespan. His research has proved those properties are unaffected by routine cleaning and maintenance for at least 25 years.

Now further research at Glasgow Caledonian University’s BluScientific testing laboratory, has revealed the anti-MRSA and anti-vomiting virus capabilities. He said, “…It thereby limits the spread of infection in hospitals, making it a serious weapon in the battle against hospital acquired infection. For a flooring product to have the ability to kill these serious infectious agents for up to 25 years is truly remarkable.”

Kevin Toner, Forbo sales and marketing director, said, “We thank Professor Gemmell for all his work. We already know how effective Marmoleum is at fighting MRSA, now we have heard how potent it is in the battle against the winter vomiting virus.”