Scientists at Arch Chemicals have been working on a solution to this problem for a number of
years. They have designed a product that manufacturers can apply to clothing to help prevent
bacterial growth. This product is a chemical called PHMB and has been used in swimming pools
and contact lens solutions for several years. It kills bacteria by puncturing their cell membranes,
causing the contents to leak out. It does not have the same effect on human cells so it is safe to
use in contact with the skin