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FLUORESCENT TRACER EVALUATION OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING PERFORMANCE
Citation:
Fenske, R. A. FLUORESCENT TRACER EVALUATION OF PROTECTIVE CLOTHING PERFORMANCE. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/SR-93/143, 1993.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
Field studies evaluating chemical protective clothing (CPC), which is often employed as a primary control option to reduce occupational exposures during pesticide applications, are limited. This study, supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was designed to evaluate several protective garments and to determine the ability of specific CPC components to reduce worker exposure. The studies, conducted in central Florida during citrus applications of Ethion 4 Miscible™, examined cotton workshirts and workpants, cotton/polyester (C/P) coveralls, SMS coveralls, and Sontara coveralls. CPC performance was evaluated by fluorescent tracers and video imaging analysis and by the patch technique. Nonwoven coveralls allowed significantly greater exposure than did traditionally woven garments primarily because of design factors (e.g., large sleeve openings). Fabric penetration occurred with high frequency for all test garments, and none can be considered chemically resistant under these field conditions. Improved coverall garments would, however, provide only a small further reduction in exposure. Faceshields would reduce the exposure approximately three times more than would improved coveralls. Exposure pathways that would probably be undetected or inaccurately quantified by the patch technique were measured by fluorescent tracers and imaging analysis. The patch technique, however, was far more sensitive in detecting fabric penetration. Workers conducting airblast applications would be better protected by closed cab systems or any other technology that places a well-defined barrier between the worker and the pesticide spray. Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements should consider the potential for heat stress, and conditions under which PPE is not to be used should be defined and enforced to reduce the risk of illness related to heat stress. Protective garments designed and marketed for use by pesticide applicators should be field tested to determine performance, and users should be provided with accurate information regarding the chemical resistance of such garments.