Emergency spill response and hazardous waste cleanup activities often require protective clothing that is an effective barrier to a wide range of chemicals and chemical mixtures. Several clothing products are now available that are based on high barrier films and laminates. Examples are the fluoropolymer film-based Challenge 5100 and Challenge 5200 totally encapsulating ensembles. In the study, the results of over 300 permeation tests of the Challenge materials were evaluated. When permeation occurred, it was shown to follow a simple Fickian diffusion mechanism. A model or a rule system that enables the explanation/prediction as to whether permeation will be detected within 3 hours at 25 degrees was developed. The model predicts permeation based on the structure and size of chemical of interest. In the case of mixtures, the following characteristic was observed: if a chemical permeates the Challenge material as a neat chemical, then it will permeate from a mixture with its rate dependent on its concentration in the mixture. Conversely, if a chemical does not permeate in the neat form it will not permeate from a mixture.

"EPA600/D-89/266".