Effect of starch on reducing the retention of methyl parathion by cotton and polyester fabrics in agricultural protective clothing

Abstract

This study examined the retention of methyl parathion on 100% cotton and 50% cotton/ 50% polyester fabrics with treatments of starch. The surface treatment of starch trapped the pesticide decreasing transfer to the skin and enhancing pesticide removal during laundering. The enzyme amylase was added to the laundry detergent to determine any refined effects on ¹⁴ the decontamination of the soiled fabrics. Samples were contaminated with C‐labeled MeP for radiotracer analysis. After laundering in a Terg‐O‐Tometer^®, pesticide retention was found to differ according to the fiber content and presence of starch. The findings of this study support the theory that the application of starch enhances the removal of pesticide from contaminated fabrics with laundering. The use of amylase in the laundry detergent resulted in some improvement in decontamination of the starched cotton‐containing fabrics.

Key words:

• Pesticide
• starch
• laundering
• amylase
• decontamination
• retention
• protective clothing
• cotton
• polyester