BIC Prevaguard Media Clic #2 Mechanical Pencils contain an antimicrobial agent incorporated into the plastic that protects the pen itself by suppressing the growth of bacteria, algae, fungus, and mildew. These products protect the pens themselves and do not protect users or others from disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or germs. The antimicrobial agent should last the lifetime of the pen’s plastic unless the plastic is destroyed.