Insect-repellent plastics and textiles studied

The Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation co-sponsors the INSEPLATEX project, coordinating efforts of three private technology research centers to find textiles and plastics that incorporate insecticidal effects. Tecnalia, Leitat and Aimplas, all located in Spain, are incorporating specific biocides that repel urban pests into certain textiles and plastics. Successful bug-repellent products would be of critical value for use in earthquakes, humanitarian crises, refugee camps, military installations and forestry. The laboratories testing the products use live specimens and follow the EU Directive on Biocides and World Health Organization recommendations to ensure that the active ingredient in the repellent textile or plastic harms the pest, but not the product users.