Abstract: A method of preventing charged particles from passing through holes in a barrier material which involves surface treating a barrier material with an ionic surfactant to impart a charge to the barrier material. In a preferred embodiment, prophylactics such as condoms and surgical gloves can be treated with an anionic surfactant. Tests have confirmed that such surface treated articles can repel virus particles such as human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus, hepatitis B virus and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Ionic surfactant treated articles include prophylactics such as condoms and diaphragms, gloves, including surgical gloves, surgical masks, respiratory masks and filters, filters, including membrane, and wound dressings, including bandages.