Virogard TB defence mask

Test results of a fabric facemask developed in Australia show a 99.9% kill rate against the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.

A disposable mask, developed to protect against pandemic influenza, has also been proved effective against the tuberculosis-forming mycobacterium. Produced by Canberra company Virogard, it not only filters potentially harmful particles but actively kills them.

The mask cannot leach and contains no potentially harmful elements such as heavy metals, fluoro-chemicals, pesticides or nanoparticles.

Development began in 2007 with the identification of a polymer treatment that, when applied to fabrics, actively kills micro-organisms such as E. coli and pneumonia. The company then produced a 2-ply mask with a more ergonomic fit than conventional surgical masks and began testing against human influenza type A which encompasses all known or likely variants of pandemic influenza.

Results were considered outstanding with a kill rate exceeding 99.9%. Because the antimicrobial properties of the fabric survive repeated washing and even hot ironing, the mask was re-usable.

Demand for a fabric mask with the higher filtration capabilities of a particulate respirator then triggered further development that has now resulted in the P2 mask that fully meets AS/NZS1716 for disposable respirators.