Panasonic Validates Bird Flu Virus-Inhibiting Effect of 'Super Alleru-Buster' Filters

JCN Newswires, Sept 25, 2006

Tokyo, Japan, Sept 25, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Panasonic, the leading brand for which Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is known, today announced its environment-related subsidiary, Matsushita Ecology Systems Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Tottori University, has validated the bird flu virus-inhibiting effect of filters incorporating 'Super Alleru-Buster'. Known to be effective in inactivating SARS and other viruses, allergens, and fungi, this anti-allergen material has been incorporated into filters for air treatment equipment such as air purifiers. The research evidence confirms that Super Alleru-Buster is the first material applied to precipitator (air cleaning) systems to be highly effective in inhibiting bird flu.

Tottori University professor Toshihiro Ito, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of the bird flu virus research group that worked with Panasonic, said, "It is significant that we have proven the effectiveness of this substance in reducing the effects of bird flu and that such materials are used universally in common air treatment products."

"Incorporated into filters, the Super Alleru-Buster can help create cleaner and healthier environments by removing bird flu, SARS, influenza and other viruses from the air," said Minoru Kagotani, Director of Environment System & Solution Division at Matsushita Ecology Systems Co., Ltd. "These filters also inhibit many allergens, thereby reducing the incidence of allergic diseases such as hay fever and bronchial asthma. Since the Super Alleru-Buster material can be applied to other components, we intend to expand its use to products which do not contain filters."

According to the test and evaluation jointly executed by Panasonic and Tottori University, 99.999% of the bird flu virus was inhibited after a ten-minute contact. The percentage was derived from three experiments that brought the filters into contact with the bird flu virus, and testing how the growth of the virus was affected by injecting the virus extracts into eggs.

Since viruses are considered to be carried by air-borne dust, it is presumed that filters that capture such dust particles are effective in inhibiting viruses. With the Super Alleru-Buster material incorporated in filters, the air treatment products are effective in inhibiting the various viruses and allergens carried through air-borne dust.

Panasonic has incorporated the Super Alleru-Buster into its various air treatment products such as air purifiers and dehumidifiers introduced in the Asian market starting 2004.

About Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Best known by its Panasonic brand name, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of US$76.02 billion for the year ended March 31, 2006. The Company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:MC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the Company's website at http://panasonic.net/.> Source: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Contact:

Akira Kadota, International PR
Tel: 03-3578-1237 / Fax: 03- 3436-6766

Panasonic News Bureau
Tel: 03-3542-6205 / Fax: 03-3542-9018

Panasonic Press Room
http://www.panasonic.net/press-room/

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