Bird Flu Being Fought with Polymer

Polymer science may not be a discipline expected to help in the fight against the spread of avian influenza and other communicable diseases, but it is. The Hartford (CT) Courant reports that Ahlstrom Corp. (a Finnish company whose U.S. operations are based in Windsor Locks, CT) has created a breathable viral barrier that is being used in surgical gowns, masks, and related protective clothing. It can block the spread of anything .027 microns or larger.