Bamboo - is it antimicrobial?

The answer the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would like us to give is "no" because they claim all scientific data that is available by the U.S, China, Japan and other countries is apparently inconclusive, as well as case studies performed by universities. This is very disturbing to us because scientists, labs, textile chemists and professors have all made antimicrobial finds and claims. So, to be in compliance with the FTC we are making it perfectly clear that the FTC states viscose from bamboo is not antimicrobial. However, the FTC has provided no scientific evidence to back up this claim, which according to the FTC, scientific evidence is required in order to make a claim...quite a conundrum. So as it stands - it is their "theory" and we are expected to provide to you "their theory" over evidence we have uncovered. They do however make the claim (a true claim) that bamboo is in fact antimicrobial in its natural state.

We therefore, are providing to you, documented information we have found so that you can come to your own conclusion. We leave the claims, the judgment and the decision in your hands because we believe you have a right to know ALL of the information available to you. We are not misleading you in any way, shape or form, but rather allowing you to see through the looking glass - the full picture, to draw your own conclusions - as it should be in America. After all, we are intelligent people that have the ability to read and make decisions for ourselves, though more and more that seems to be controlled by our government doesn't it?

We believe from our research that bamboo has some amazing antibacterial capabilities. It’s antibacterial property is commonly referred to as “bamboo kun”. It is because of this antibacterial, antifungal agent, that bamboo does not require the use of pesticides or herbicides for growth. To put it simply, pests and pathogens do not like bamboo.

So, what about bamboo as a fabric? I can tell you that our experience with bamboo t-shirts for example, has certainly demonstrated to us that there is a big difference in the way a bamboo shirt responds to a lack of washing as compared with a cotton shirt.

But what about on the scientific level? Back in 2003 the China Industrial Testing Center (CTITC) completed a quantitative antibacterial capability test on a piece of 100% bamboo fabric. They placed a bacterial strain type staphylococcus aureous on the fabric. After a period of 24 hours had elapsed, the live bacteria were counted. The results showed that the bamboo fabric exhibited a 99.8% antibacterial kill rate.

Another study was done by the Japan Textile Inspection Association (JTIA). A quantitative test, method JISL 1902 was performed using 100% bamboo fabric. The bamboo fabric samples were washed industrially 50 times. The bamboo fabric samples were then laden with bacterial strain type staphylococcus IID 1677. After a 24-hr incubation period they did a count on the live bacteria remaining on the bamboo fabric samples. Their results showed that the samples retained a greater than 70% antibacterial efficiency rate, after 50 industrial washings.

*These results were obtained from Shanghai Tenbro Bamboo Textile ltd.

Review actual lab results done on the Antimicrobial Behavior of Bamboo Socks.

I would also add, that in our personal testing/usage of our products, such as our Bamboo Socks…we have yielded some pretty incredible feedback from friends, family and customers. You can read more about our Case study on Bamboo Socks for a more in depth look at bamboo socks and what we came to discover about them and their antimicrobial qualities - particularly with our bamboo socks.

Another interesting Case Study on Athletes Foot was performed by Karen Biers, Utah State University Extension Clothing and Textiles Specialist. Fifty individuals suffering from athlete’s foot were asked to wear socks made from the anti-bacterial bamboo. All individuals reported that the burning and itching associated with the condition disappeared within one to two days after the test began. Within two to six days, the blistering and sores characteristic of the condition disappeared and the skin returned to normal.

From well known fashion designers such as Oscar de la Renta to Kate O'Connor and Sara Kirsner, fabric derived from bamboo has long been stated to be antimicrobial. From Target to Bed Bath & Beyond, again it is referred to as antimicrobial. From scientists to professors and textile chemists from various countries, they all claim it to be antimicrobial. From China to Japan, India, Europe and the U.S., it is stated to be antimicrobial across the world. It begs the question...what does the FTC know that everyone else doesn't seem to have a clue about and where is their scientific evidence?