Preliminary Test Results from Scientists in Germany Indicate BorussiaDortmund(Nike) Soccer Jersey Is Not Dangerous Highlights: -- Dr. Kruschak of Hansecontrol laboratory in Hamburg where tests were conducted on the jersey declares "...no health risk to the customer wearing the shirt." -- Several German scientists concur that trace concentrations of TBT pose an insignificant health risk -- Nike continues to test and evaluate its own product line and other garments in the marketplace for comparable results BEAVERTON, Ore., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- Fulfilling its pledge to consumers to quickly investigate the safety of the (Nike) Borussia Dortmund soccer jersey, Nike (NYSE: NKE) today released statements from several scientists in Germany based upon preliminary test results validating that the garment should pose no danger to humans. Nike initiated the tests conducted on the Borussia Dortmund shirt by the Hansecontrol laboratory in Hamburg during the last 48 hours. The results have conclusively shown that TBT was present in trace amounts considered to be insignificant for consumers. Dr. Kruschak, Head of the Hansecontrol commented, "In reference to the tested parameters and the tributyltin content of the NIKE shirts, there should be no health risk to the customer wearing the shirt." Other respected members of the scientific environmental community concurred that tributyltin (aka TBT) at trace levels poses no significant health risk. Professor Michael Braungart of the Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA Internationale Umweltforschung) based in Hamburg, Germany stated: "At no time has there been any risk from wearing a NIKE sport shirt, where the risk is related to the health analyzed contaminations of organotin compounds. In seafood for instance clams from the North Sea that people eat, the contamination of TBT, which has been recently analyzed and found, is up to 10-20 times higher than in the sport shirt which has been analyzed. From this background, even this amount of TBT penetrating through skin -- even for children is completely irrelevant." Dr. Awni Sarrif, Director, Toxicology and Regulatory Affairs, Europe for DuPont Deutschland based in Frankfurt, assessed the research results used by German TV programme PlusMinus where low levels of TBT were detected in a Borussia Dortmund shirt. The research results showed that small traces of TBT in one shirt and none in another Nike DRI-FIT(TM) product, also found TBT in a range of other non-Nike products. His response was that, "TBTs are poorly soluble in water (human sweat) and even if they indeed are absorbed, the amounts that end up in the human body are safe." Nike only contracts production of products with manufacturers who do not use legally banned substances. TBT is not a substance regularly used in the Nike production process for the Borussia Dortmund jersey and is not a banned substance in apparel manufacturing. The company also has resident scientists and environmental consultants who assist in determining acceptable materials and chemicals used in apparel, footwear and equipment production. The Borussia Dortmund shirt is produced by European garment manufacturers according to established industry practices. They were sewn by ARC Sports (UK), the fabric was knitted by Cloverbrook (UK), the yarn was made by UNIFI (UK), Toplon (Asia) and Indorama (Asia) and the logo made by Strata (Italy using materials from France). The jersey is only available in Europe. Charlie Denson, General Manager of Nike Europe stated: "Although we have had no health complaints or adverse incidences regarding this jersey, consumers are our first concern and we have taken these steps. Although scientists have assured us that at the levels of TBT shown in the TV test results pose no hazard for consumers wearing this product, we will continue to verify our preliminary findings." Nike has pledged to continue testing various other products within its athletic apparel line. As guidance for its own production process, Nike will continue to test both Nike and non-Nike soccer jerseys and consumer apparel available in the marketplace to assess comparability of fabric and presence of chemical substances used in both specialty and common apparel products. "Consumers and retailers can proceed with confidence that the garment is safe," added Denson. SOURCE: Nike CONTACT: Nigel Powell of Nike Europe, +31-35-626-6491, or Vada Manager of Nike, 503-671-2875; or Professor Michael Braungart of Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency (EPEA Internationale Umwaltforschung), +49-40-43-13490 or +49-177-831-2910; or Dr. Kruschak of Hansecontrol, +49-40-6461-73-10; or Dr. Awni Sarrif, Director, Toxicology and Regulatory Affairs, Europe of DuPont Deutschland, +49-61-72-87-26-2649 Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/622104.html or fax, 800-758-5804, ext. 622104 Web site: http://www.nikebiz.com