New Cotton Fabric May Absorb Toxins

[Guest guest]

I wonder what this means and if this kind of thing might be an answer

to possibly saveing a thing or two when you have to leave your home.

This sounds like an awsome discovery but brings many questions with

it huh?

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- Cotton, the fabric of your life, could soon

have the potential to save it. Scientists at Texas Tech University's

Institute of Environmental and Human Health on Monday unveiled a new

composite cotton fabric they say will protect against biological and

chemical agents.

The fabric, developed with the U.S. Department of Defense in mind,

also brings a fresh market to cotton farmers in West Texas, the

nation's largest producing region.

" We are the first to bring cotton into the national defense arena,''

said Seshadri Ramkumar, the researcher at the institute who developed

the fabric. " This is a big thing.''

The nonwoven fabric is " exactly'' the type the defense department

placed in its decontamination and science technology strategy, he

said. A thin piece of carbon is encased on either side by the

nonwoven cotton.

The fabric can be used as a wipe to remove dangerous contaminants

from a variety of surfaces, including human skin and intricate

equipment on fighter planes. The fabric is lightweight, soft,

flexible and able to be draped over unusually shaped objects.

The material neutralizes and absorbs toxic chemicals used in chemical

warfare and pesticides.

Another use could be the inner lining of a protective suit.

" This is a win-win day for Texas Tech,'' said U.S. Rep. Randy

Neugebauer, R-Lubbock, who attended a news conference announcing the

technology and its licensing to a Texas company. " It's a win-win day

for the American people.''

Now, the military uses a cloth made from carbon, which leaves skin

and other surfaces dirty.

The fabric passed tests for bacteria, yeast, fungus and mold but has

not been tested for anthrax and other potentially deadly biological

agents. But enzymes specifically targeting a particular agent can be

applied.

" Once it has been tested for nerve agents, sure it can'' save lives,

Ramkumar said.

Cotton watchers in West Texas said the fabric presents an exciting

avenue for area producers.

" It's an opportunity to add value to our locally grown fiber and add

a new income source to our area economy,'' said Haldenby, a

spokesman for the Plains Cotton Growers, which serves a 41-county

region.

In recent days, the university licensed a Waco-based company, Hobbs

Bonded Fibers, to market the fabric.

Carey Hobbs, the company's chief executive officer, said negotiations

with government officials could begin within a couple of months.

" This is something that could be very meaningful and contribute to

the country's mission right now,'' Hobbs said. " This is an

opportunity you look for your whole business life.''