NATURAL fibres are, particularly, prone to microbial attack as they are readily digestible by bacteria and fungi at the same time synthetic fibres are not completely immune either as they might contain some additives that may be a nutrient for microbes. Apart from their effects on textiles, microbes can be a source of many problems to human beings, ranging from simple unpleasant odour to physical irritation, allergy, toxic responses, infection and diseases. An unpleasant odor results when human perspiration is converted by bacteria into foul-smelling substances such as aldehydes, amines, ammonia, sulphides, mercaptans, aromatics, lactones and fatty acids (acetic, propionic, butyric, valerianic, caproic) and unpleasant odors have a negative impact on textiles and comfort properties. Malodor is an increasing problem with textiles packed, shipped and stored over a long period of time. The simplest ways of removing such malodors are by airing and washing.
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