Insect-Repellent Apparel provides invisible defence

Wednesday August 6, 2003

A range of clothing that incorporates insect repellent into its fabric has been recognised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US. BUZZ OFF apparel is manufactured using a special process that binds the repellent tightly to the garment, resulting in an invisible, odourless layer of protection around the wearer.

The BUZZ OFF process uses permethrin - a man-made version of a repellent that occurs in chrysanthemums - as the active ingredient. This substance is ineffective when used directly on the skin as it and dissipates quickly but when bound to garments it provides protection against ants, flies mosquitoes and ticks.

The idea of integrating an insect-repellent into clothing has been developed by the US military, with the obvious advantage being that unlike applying a spray or cream, there's no need to continually re-apply the repellent. Research and testing of BUZZ OFF products in partnership with the military continues in an effort to widen the range of protection the clothing offers.

Back on civvy street, BUZZ OFF lines will include pants, shorts, shirts and socks for both men and women, with a US release beginning in Q3 2003.

Check Gizmo.com.au for updates on this and other high-tech clothing.