New eco-friendly cell phone cases help keep germs away

WASHINGTON: Germaphobes rejoice! A US company claims to have developed a new line of eco-friendly cell phone cases that not only shield against radiation but also eliminate up to 99.9 per cent of harmful bacteria on mobiles.

The Tenerarca leather phone cases have a built-in line of defence against bacteria and electromagnetic radiation, according to the company.

They carry a special coating called Upskin, a "proprietary antibacterial, sanitising, and negative-ion-generating technology," it said.

In addition to fighting germs, the Upskin coating, an environmentally friendly method of treating leather, also generates negative ions, which allegedly neutralise radiation, CNET reported.

"A Tenerarca case can eliminate up to 99.99 per cent of harmful bacteria, not only on the electronic device but also on the user's hands," the project website said.

The cases are made from lightweight leather that is soft and also feature a flip cover, which protects the screen.

The case is held in place by magnets. There's a small T-shaped grill on the cover which fits over the ear-piece so that you can keep the screen covered while on a phone call, which is supposed to cut down on the spread of germs.

"Tenerarca's cases have been imbued, through an eco-friendly process, with negative-ion-emitting effects that soothe the body, the mind, and the soul," said Eskei Park, the President of the company.