Sars fear boosts neckties that double as masks

NEW YORK - The answer to avoiding the deadly Sars virus sweeping the world may be a simple necktie, according to a medicine professor in Cleveland, Ohio.

John Haaga designed the US$40 ($75) tie, and similar scarves for women, with silk on the outside and a special filter inside for use in a medical scare or terror attack.

Dr Haaga, professor of radiology at University Hospitals of Cleveland, said he got the idea when he saw images on television of a man covering his face with a tie after the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Centre in New York.

Sales of the ties and scarves have risen to about 50 a day on the manufacturer's website (www.fbsclothing.com).

Professor Haaga said he planned to introduce new designs and move manufacturing to the US from China, the epicentre of the outbreak.