Steven Chase / Associated Press

Ottawa — Canada’s paper money is going plastic.

Starting in late 2011, the Bank of Canada will replace the country’s cotton-paper bank notes — prone to wear and tear — with synthetic polymer ones that last two to three times as long.

These far-hardier bills won’t be indestructible — a flame is still a threat, for instance — but they will be virtually waterproof.

The Bank of Canada is staying mum on the specific technology.

Plastic bills introduced in Australia and elsewhere apparently harbor fewer germs because their slick surface makes it harder for bacteria to cling to the money.

Dirty money is not just a theoretical risk. Swiss scientists in 2007 demonstrated that some strains of flu virus could live for as long as 17 days on bank notes. The most common flu strain lasted 72 hours.

Bugs aside, the new bill also will mean less grubby currency in circulation. That’s because its non-porous surface will not absorb sweat, oil or other liquids such as drinks.

“They are very resistant, durable and clean,” Bank of Canada spokeswoman Julie Girard said of the new currency.

The change is meant to reduce the cost of printing bills — and create a currency that’s much harder for the casual counterfeiter, at least, to fake.

Plastic banknotes tend to cost more than paper currency but Girard said Canada will end up having to print far less bills overall, therefore saving money.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Related Posts

1. Counterfeit cash irks merchants in Hernando
2. The Torch: Afstan and Canada: Tuesday, March 9, Ottawa–come to …
3. Plastic Catamaran Has Message On A Bottle
4. Australia Increases Rates, Canada Stays Steady as Both Cast Wary …
5. AXA Art in Canada Supports Papier 11