Scientists have been quick to point out that the biocide TBT (Tribuytltin) found in the shirts of German soccer team Borussia Dortmund are not harmful to those who wear them. This is good news for those who have purchased other Nike products in Ireland as the company cannot guarantee that TBT is not contained in Irish stock.

The chemical, which is in the process of being completely banned as an anti-fouling substance used on ships, somehow got into the Borussia shirts during the manufacturing process. Nike are currently working to find out how this contamination occurred.

Nike Ireland directed queries on the issue to Nike Europe who in turn redirected questions to German scientists currently working on the problem.

While health experts say TBT could be easily absorbed through skin contact and could lead to raised testosterone levels and depressed oestrogen production, Dr Kruschak of Hansecontrol, Germany says that the levels of TBT in the shirts are so low as to be completely harmless.