SEATTLE — Ex Officio, a leader in the development of performance engineered clothing for outdoor and travel is launching a new Bug Away™ mosquito repellent collection for Holiday 2002. The Bug Away fabric, made of a full synthetic, is treated with a non-toxic, hypoallergenic, insect repellent scientifically proven to offer both anti-microbial and anti-bacterial protection. Bug Away garments block pesky mosquito attacks, reducing the risk of malaria and dengue fever. The fabric also works to kill a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungus, mildew and dust mites which have been identified as a major cause of asthma, allergies, and yellow fever. Bug Away fabrics are odorless, colorless, non-irritant to skin, environmentally friendly — biodegradable in soil, and easy-care. Thanks to the Bug Away fabric’s special weave these garments also offer the added benefit of enhanced sun protection. Bug Away styles block UV rays up to 30+.

According to Rick Hemmerling, Ex Officio President & Director of Product Development, "We have been asked numerous times to create mosquito repellent clothing to enhance outdoor and travel experiences. After an extensive search we have created a collection of styles that not only block mosquito attacks, but also provide the added benefits of anti-bacterial and sun protection up to 30+. The Bug Away styles offer the technical features and fabric benefits that the Ex Officio brand has become known for."

Ex Officio’s Holiday 2002 Bug Away styles for men and women include the Bug Away Cricket (MSRP: $54), Long-Sleeve Crew (MSRP: $59), Pinnacle Shirt (MSRP: $79), Pant (MSRP: $74), and RakJak (MSRP: $89).

Bug Away Lab Testing: The repellent Effect of Anti-Mosquito Fabric on Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes/Conducted by Dr. Deon Canyon/Medical Entomologist

Tropical Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Unit
School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine
James Cook University
Australia (August 2001)

Mosquito Type:

Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes (primary cause of dengue fever & yellow fever)
Female mosquitoes used (males do not bite)
Female mosquitoes were starved for a 24 hour period

Lab Test Results:

A substantially reduced probing of material took place indicating the presence of repellant properties.

Bug Away Field Testing: Conducted by Gary Taylor/Assistant Director/St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District

Results: Landing rates of 10-15 Anopheles crucians mosquitoes/minute were taken in regular clothing along the nearby marsh. Changed into the test products (pants & shirt) to gage new landing rates. Mosquitoes continued to fly around, biting exposed skin. However, when landing on the treated clothing, only a few attempted to probe the material. No bites were received through the clothing.

Since 1987, Seattle-based Ex Officio has created adventure clothing with state-of-the-art technical features and benefits. Ex Officio's performance fabrics and innovative designs have led people to expect more from their clothing. Ex Officio is distributed through specialty outdoor, fly-fishing, travel and luggage stores across the United States and throughout the world. To locate the Ex Officio dealer nearest you or to receive a free copy of the latest Ex Officio Clothing Guide call 800 644-7303. Visit the Ex Officio web site at www.exofficio.com.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff