Biofunctional Proneem inhibits dust mites in textiles

Proneem France has been tested by researchers from the William-Küster-Institute for Hygiene, Environment and Medicine at the Hohenstein Institute in Germany.

Arachnids prefer to live in duvets and mattresses, upholstered furniture and carpets where they find ideal hygrothermal conditions. Using treated bedding can reduce the rate of reproduction of the mites and so decrease the allergen load, says the Hohenstein Institute website.

Finishing treatments normally contain the acaricide permethrin. As a toxin that can be ingested or absorbed, it is effective against numerous insects, including mites. Permethrin is a neurotoxic chemical which, in insects, causes agitation and cramps, then coordination disorders and finally paralysis.

Permethrin is poorly absorbed by healthy skin, but nevertheless attempts are being made to find alternative finishing agents. Now Proneem France has shown that this is entirely possible. In a test in accordance with NF G39-011, their ‘Proneem’ finish was able to inhibit the growth of a mite population by over 90 per cent and was therefore awarded the Hohenstein quality label ‘effective against dust mites’.

The Hohenstein test for effectiveness against dust mites in accordance with standard NF G39-011 is also suitable for alternative, permethrin-free finishing treatments and offers textile manufacturers a way of developing optimised bedding and home textiles that will reduce the symptoms of house dust allergy-sufferers. (KD)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India