Evaluation of various clothing materials for protection and worker acceptability during application of pesticides.

Abstract

Seven different garment materials were examined for resistance to penetration by eight commonly used sprays and one concentrated pesticide formulation. The lightweight materials were four types of spunbonded olefin and a water repellent cellulostic and were compared to heavy cotton drill and rubberized cotton. The latter two materials are used for making coveralls and raingear commonly employed as applicator's protective clothing. Penetration tests were designed to mimic repeated exposure to drifting spray and exposure to concentrated pesticide formulation splashed on a worker during preparation of spray. Lightweight materials were penetrated by more pesticide than would penetrate rubberized rainwear. All of the materials tested would provide significant protection for applicators who chose to wear only short-sleeved shirts and cotton trousers during hot weather rather than endure the discomfort of rubberized cotton garments. Only polyethylene-coated spunbonded olefin and rubberized cotton provided adequate protection against concentrated pesticide formulations. In direct sunlight, the interior surface temperatures of black or dark green, rubberized raingear averaged ∼70°C (158°F) and reached as high as 83°C (181°F). Under similar conditions the interior surface of white, lightweight jackets averaged ∼40°C (104°F). Cellulostic material tore too easily for use in orchard spraying. Some garments leaked around the seams, but this may be corrected by use of other seam designs. Spraymen indicated they would wear lightweight garments during hot weather.