Japanese firm Earth Corp., maker of fabric spray against COVID-19 virus, has appointed a Philippine distributor as it seeks to offer its products to help the spread of infection in the country.
In a statement, the Japanese household company Earth Corp. said it has appointed Filipino-owned Neumann and Mueller Philippines Inc. as local distributor in the country for Natucair. The spray is already available in more than 10 countries.
Shintaro Noda, in charge of Regional Marketing of Earth Corporation, claimed that based on clinical studies made by the Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center in Kobe, Natucair was effective in killing more than 99.9 percent SARS-CoV-2 in suspension. SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19.
According to Shintaro, the Natucair spray was tested at the 17 testing centers in Japan and around the world of the Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center, one of the most credible and trusted institutions when it comes to evaluating the efficacy of products to be used internationally.
The testing involved mixing nine parts of Natucair with one part sample of the SARS-CoV-2 using plaque assay protocol. After five minutes of contact, the samples were re-examined to see the effect on the SARS-CoV-2 particles.
“Everyday, Filipinos should be able to have options and products that can help them stay safe from the dangers of COVID-19 and we’re happy to add Natucair to that list,” said Shintaro adding that its product is already available in leading supermarkets and hardware stores nationwide.
The company cited studies pointing to garments as one point of transmission. It cited a report quoting a study led by microbiologist Dr. Katie Laird that looked into the survival rate of COVID-19 on commonly worn fabrics.
According to Dr. Laird, these fabrics “pose a risk for transmission of the virus.”
Laird’s study showed droplets of the coronavirus added to three commonly used fabrics: polyester, polycotton and 100 percent cotton. Scientists then monitored the stability of the virus on each fabric for 72 hours. It was found that of the three fabrics, polyester posed the greatest risk as the virus survived for the full 3-day test period. Serious risks were also discovered on the other two fabrics. The virus lasted for a full 24 hours on 100 percent cotton and six hours on polycotton.
Laird pointed out that these fabrics—commonly used in the uniforms of healthcare professionals that regularly come into contact with COVID-19 patients—pose a great threat. “If nurses and healthcare workers take their uniforms home,” said Laird, “they could be leaving traces of the virus on other surfaces.”
Shintaro explained that Natucair can become a handy part of every Filipino’s day. “As Natucair is designed to be used on fabrics, we recommend that all Filipinos should make it a daily routine to spray down their shirts, pants, and other fabrics in their outfits including the inner cloth linings of shoes with Natucair,” said Shintaro.