Comparative Assessment of Protective Clothing Performance by Measurement of Dermal Exposure during Pesticide Applications

Abstract

Protective clothing performance was assessed among 25 workers by adding a fluorescent tracer to spray tanks during high-volume airblast applications and measuring dermal exposure to the tracer with a video imaging system. Three types of protective clothing were evaluated: 50/50 cotton/polyester workshirts, 65/35 cotton/ polyester woven coveralls, and nonwoven coveralls (untreated Tyvek[rgrave]). Workers also wore neoprene gloves during all work activities. A substantial portion of exposure beneath clothing occurred near the sleeve and neck openings in the garments. This direct deposition is attributed to air exchange inside clothing due to body worker movements (pumping effects). Hand exposure was measured for all workers and was likely due to contamination during glove removal and handling. Workshirts provided significantly less protection than coveralls during application. No difference in exposure reduction between the two coveralls was demonstrated. The use of coveralls in place of workshirts reduces exposure from 45–77 percent under these application conditions. Fenske, R.A.: Comparative Assessment of Protective Clothing Performance by Measurement of Dermal Exposure during Pesticide Applications. Appl. Ind. 3:207–213; 1988.