Dry Cleaning Research Articles

Clean-in-place (CIP) validation of oil-based cleaning and sanitization for Salmonella-contaminated tubing: Evaluation of Enterococcus faecium as a surrogate

The safety of low-moisture foods is of continual concern due to the survival and cross-tolerance of certain bacterial pathogens under dry conditions. This study screened for Salmonella surrogates using a controlled bacterial desiccation system for testing against formulated antimicrobial oils. The effect of inoculum preparation on the heat resistance of Salmonella in peanut butter was also addressed. Thereafter, a tubing system was utilized to validate a dry cleaning and sanitation procedure at the temperature range of peanut butter processing. Tubes were contaminated by re-circulating peanut butter inoculated with a test organism to 108−9 CFU/g. The contaminated system was flushed with fresh canola oil under laminar flow for cleaning, followed by holding with acidified oil or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion to sanitize. A linear relation (R2, 0.89) was observed between the oil-flush (cleaning) duration and surface cell removal, and the prevailing surface cleanliness dictated the efficacy of sanitization. System decontamination was achieved at 60 °C through a two-step oil flush (3.6 min) and acidified W/O emulsion treatment (30 min). The test organisms, S. Enteritidis phage type 30 and Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354, were reduced by this procedure to levels undetectable by enrichment of tubes (n = 9). The E. faecium showed less susceptibility than S. Enteritidis under all the conditions tested, suggesting that it may be used as a Salmonella surrogate to validate such a process in the food-processing environment. Adaptation of the proposed oil-based system would allow a shifted cleaning and sanitation paradigm precluding the necessity of traditional wet cleaning and application of flammable alcohol-based sanitizers.

Camp Lejeune Marine Cancer Risk Assessment for Exposure to Contaminated Drinking Water From 1955 to 1987

This study utilizes guidance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to calculate the cancer risk to United States Marines who were exposed to carcinogens in drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Camp Lejeune is a 233-square-mile Marine Corps training facility in North Carolina. From 1953 to 1987, nearby dry cleaners, landfills, and underground storage tanks contaminated drinking water systems that served Camp Lejeune (ATSDR, 2017). Some of the most toxic contaminants found in the drinking water modeled by ATSDR include benzene, tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), and vinyl chloride (VC). ATSDR utilized MODFLOW and EPANET modeling software to determine the level of contamination in the three main drinking water systems at Camp Lejeune: Tarawa Terrace, Holcomb Boulevard, and Hadnot Point. This paper presents an application of methodology to quantify cancer risk for the Marines who lived and served at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987 using ATSDR’s health assessment, chemical contaminant modeling, and USEPA methodology. While VC and TCE were found to be the main risk drivers, benzene and PCE also contributed to the cumulative cancer risk. This analysis shows (1) That the cancer risk was greatest during the 1970s and 1980s and (2) that the inhalation exposure pathway had the greatest contribution to overall cancer risk followed by ingestion, with the smallest contribution from dermal absorption.

Standard Operational Protocol (SOP) for dry cleaning of the Approach Clothing (RA) of the Amazonas Military Fire Brigade

Standard Operational Protocol (SOP) for dry cleaning of the Approach Clothing (RA) of the Amazonas Military Fire Brigade

Tracing the origins of plastics in biosolids: The role of sewerage pipe materials and trade waste

Plastics are ubiquitous in virtually every environment on earth. While the specific sources of plastics entering wastewater are not well known, growing evidence suggests sewage sludge (biosolids) can be a sink for plastics. One potential source could be the sewerage pipe materials used to transport sewage between premises and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To evaluate the significance of sewerage piping as a source of biosolids plastics concentrations, we compared the proportion of the total network (by length and surface area) of polyethylene (PE), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP) pipes from 10 WWTPs against their biosolids mass concentrations (mg plastic/g biosolid). Among the 10 catchments, the percentage of the network consisting of PP piping ranged from 0 to 1 %, with 0.8–21 % for PE, and 8–73 % for PVC. Biosolids plastics concentrations ranged from 0.09 to 8.62 mg/g (mg plastic/g biosolid) for PP and PE, respectively. For all three plastics, there was no significant Pearson correlation (r < 0.4) between the biosolids concentration (dry weight mg/g) and the proportion of the network material of the sewerage piping as plastic (either length or surface area). A comparison of trade waste entering a subset of 6 WWTP showed the highest biosolid principal components analysis (PCA) associations between loads of plastics (g/day) and automotive wash bays, general manufacturing, hospitals, laboratories, food manufacturing, laundry and dry cleaning, and cooling towers. A stepwise regression analysis indicated pipe length and surface area, as well as automotive wash bays and food manufacturing may be significant. While our data gave mixed results on the attribution of the sources of plastics entering WWTPs, it suggests that sewerage infrastructure and trade waste may play some role. Future studies should investigate the leachability of sewerage infrastructure and contributions from specific trade waste categories to determine their significance in plastics entering WWTPs.

Powdered Cellulose Microblasting for Dry Cleaning Printed Works on Paper.

This study evaluates the practical feasibility of using powdered cellulose microblasting for dry cleaning paper-based printed artworks in a real setting of conservation treatment. The control parameters used for this purpose are the potential morphological changes in the surface, the level of cleanliness achieved, and the amount of residue remaining in the artwork after the treatment. In this study, cleaning of a lithography was conducted entirely with powdered cellulose microblasting. The outcomes were evaluated before and after treatment using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry. The results indicate that powdered cellulose microblasting is a feasible and efficient technique for conducting the dry cleaning of printed works on paper without causing morphological changes to their surface. Additionally, it offers significant benefits by enabling precise treatment control, reducing cleaning time, and using materials stable in the long term and compatible with the substrate. Moreover, it mitigates the long-term negative effects caused by synthetic polymer residues from the cleaning materials commonly used in the dry cleaning of paper.

Analysis of parameters technological gas emissions neutralization during the sintering process of phosphorite agglomerate

This study analyzes the specific properties and technological parameters of gas emissions from chemical-energy processes [1], considering the volume and content of toxic components, as well as the operating experience of gas emission purification systems at existing phosphate plants. A three-stage system of apparatuses is studied for gas purification: an ensemble of single cyclones, foam aggregates irrigated with aqueous caustic soda solution. It is established that cyclones are the most suitable apparatus for dry gas cleaning, and that their diameter should be no more than one meter to increase the efficiency of cleaning. It has been demonstrated through scientific research that when cleaning phosphorite sintering gases, which have a volume exceeding the capacity of a single cyclone, it is necessary to use group cyclones. These are several cyclones combined into one group with a common hopper. It is recommended that the cyclone speed be increased by approximately 50% in comparison to the standard speed, which contributes to an increase in the efficiency of the separation of impurities in the purified gas.

Customer’s need regarding laundry service on the big type: A case study in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

This study aims to 1) investigate the behavior of consumers in large-scale laundry and dry cleaning in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, 2) study the consumer demand for large-scale laundry and dry cleaning services in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and 3) examine the factors related to consumer demand in large-scale laundry and dry cleaning in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. This quantitative research utilized online questionnaires, with a sample size of 400 residents from Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. The statistical methods used for analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and chi-square testing. The research findings revealed that 1) most consumers in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, clean large items an average of 1-2 times per month, typically washing 2-3 pieces each time, with towels being the most commonly cleaned item. The preferred method for cleaning large items was washing and drying, and the most popular time for doing this was between 12:01 PM and 3:00 PM. Within the household, the primary person responsible for cleaning large items was found to be the spouse or husband of the respondents. In terms of cleaning methods, most respondents preferred to clean these items themselves, and the cost for cleaning large items was less than or equal to 100 Baht. 2) The consumer demand for large-scale laundry and dry-cleaning services in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, was highest in terms of service and price (average = 4.2), followed by staff requirements (average = 4.0). 3) Personal factors and consumer behavior in large-scale laundry and dry cleaning were found to be related to the demand for such services in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

Dry cleaning analysis for photovoltaic modules

For a photovoltaic module to work in optimal conditions, it is necessary a correct cleaning, as electrical power losses due to dirt on the module´s surface are estimated to be as high as 30-40% in dry and sandy climates. In this work, the design and construction of a dry cleaning system was made using a cylindrical brush with nylon bristle of 100 cm in length and 12 cm in width, the bristle have 0.3 mm diameter. The angular speed of the system is 10.58 π radians per second. The objective is to analyze the impact of the cleaning system on the electrical properties of a photovoltaic module. For the experimental analysis, the brush was adapted to a conventional electric motor, and the cleanings was on the frontal cover of the photovoltaic modules. The module was exposed to the environmental conditions of a desert climate, to perform periodic cleanings and record temperature and irradiance variables. The result of the research shows the analysis of the electrical properties of the module to determine the influence of the type of cleaning and its impact on the conversion efficiency.

Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes in Slovakia?

The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global society both during the crisis and in its aftermath was tremendous. Governments chose various methods to cope with the deathly virus. While some were highly effective, others were not. In Slovakia, the government conducted mass testing of its population. The mass testing was free of charge performed by the government. The testing, using antigen tests, was conducted four times during weekends in buildings housing hospitals, schools, or administrative offices. Although testing was not explicitly obligatory, certain restrictions were applied to those who did not undergo testing. For instance, it prevented free movement of the untested; they were banned from visiting places that the government deemed not necessary or not of fundamental need, such as workplaces, libraries, banks, car service stations, opticians, dry cleaners, post offices, or the gas station. However, groceries, drug stores, or shops selling essential household products could be visited without a certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19.In April 2021, a group of Slovak citizens, calling themselves ‘Order of the Law Fellowship’, filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court stating that the mentioned mass testing conducted by the government, was allegedly part of an involuntary experiment done on the population of Slovakia. The group claimed that the government must be held responsible for allegedly committing crimes against humanity and war crimes, stipulated in the Rome Statute as core international crimes. This article aims to analyse their claims regarding the charges against the government, keeping in mind the character and severity of the core international crimes.

Environmentally friendly photothermal reconstruction of cement/asphalt road: Can road markings also be cleaned in such unexpected ways?

This paper innovatively proposes a new method for safe and environmentally friendly road markings removal, using nanosecond pulsed lasers to clean the standard yellow, white, red, and black cold spray markings of cement concrete road and asphalt concrete roads by dry cleaning and wet (liquid-assisted) cleaning. The optimal cleaning process for road markings was explored by changing the laser's energy density and spot overlap ratio. The markings' dry and wet dynamic stripping behavior and removal mechanism was analyzed by combining morphology characterization, EDS analysis, XRD analysis, infrared spectroscopy, infrared images, and a high-speed camera. In the complete cleaning state, markings is entirely removed without damage to the road. Dry laser cleaning can meet the cleaning needs of cement roads, and wet laser cleaning can meet the cleaning needs of asphalt roads. The dry laser cleaning mechanism for yellow and white markings is evaporation and phase explosion caused by thermal ablation, the dry laser cleaning mechanism for red markings is thermal stress vibration, and the dry laser cleaning mechanism for black markings is mainly evaporation caused by ablation. The wet laser cleaning mechanism of each color marking is that the rapid growth of steam bubbles in the superheated liquid provokes the explosive evaporation of the liquid film layer. Laser cleaning can slightly increase cement/asphalt concrete road roughness and enhance anti-slip performance.

Occupational exposures and cancer risk in commercial laundry and dry cleaning industries: a scoping review

BackgroundThe laundry and dry cleaning industries are critical for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in our daily lives. However, they have also been identified as sources of hazardous chemical exposure for workers, leading to potentially severe health implications. Despite mounting evidence that solvents like perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene are carcinogenic, they remain commonly used in the industry. Additionally, while alternative solvents are increasingly being utilized in response to indications of adverse health and environmental effects, there remains a significant gap in our understanding of the potential risks associated with exposure to these new agents.MethodsThis study aims to identify gaps in the literature concerning worker exposure to contemporary toxic chemicals in the laundry and dry cleaning industry and their associated carcinogenic risks. A scoping review of peer-reviewed publications from 2012 to 2022 was conducted to achieve this objective, focusing on studies that detailed chemical exposures, sampling methods, and workers within the laundry and dry cleaning sector.ResultsIn this scoping review, 12 relevant papers were assessed. A majority (66%) examined perchloroethylene exposure, with one notable finding revealing that biomarkers from dry cleaners had significant micronuclei frequency and DNA damage, even when exposed to PCE at levels below occupational exposure limits. Similarly, another study supported these results, finding an increase in early DNA damage among exposed workers. Separate studies on TCE and benzene presented varied exposure levels and health risks, raising concern due to their IARC Group 1 carcinogen classification. Information on alternative solvents was limited, highlighting gaps in health outcome data, exposure guidelines, and carcinogenic classifications.ConclusionResearch on health outcomes, specifically carcinogenicity from solvent exposure in dry cleaning, is limited, with 66% of studies not monitoring health implications, particularly for emerging solvents. Further, findings indicated potential DNA damage from perchloroethylene, even below set occupational limits, emphasizing the need to reevaluate safety limits. As alternative solvents like butylal and high-flashpoint hydrocarbons become more prevalent, investigations into the effects of their exposure are necessary to safeguard workers’ health. This scoping review is registered with the Open Science Framework, registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Q8FR3.

The relationship between site history and human health risks: Lessons from 13 years of contaminated land risk assessments in Victoria, Australia

AbstractSite history is widely recognized as one of the key determinants of the nature and scale of contamination that is likely to be present at a location. While there is vast anecdotal and empirical evidence on the relationship between site history and risk of exposure to pollution, few attempts have been made to systematically collate data across sites to rigorously identify such trends. This study presents an analysis of human health risk metrics extracted from all 1732 contaminated land environmental audits published in Victoria, Australia between 2006 and 2018. The contaminating activities found to be most likely associated with elevated risks to human health were service stations, fuel depots, dry cleaners, gasworks, mechanical parts manufacturers, imported fill and unknown offsite sources generating regional groundwater pollution (usually polluted with trichloroethene). The ten chemical contaminants most frequently assessed in human health risk assessment reports included (in order): benzene, C&gt;10–16 petroleum hydrocarbons, naphthalene, C6–10 petroleum hydrocarbons, xylenes, trichloroethene, toluene, ethylbenzene, benzo(a)pyrene, and tetrachloroethene. The findings of this report include recommendations to develop regulatory guideline values in Australia for trimethylbenzenes, heavy fraction petroleum hydrocarbons (C&gt;16), and trans‐1,2‐dicholoethene, and to strengthen the evidence base informing risks associated with light fraction petroleum hydrocarbons (C6–16) and trichloroethene. To the author's knowledge, this study is the first to extract risk metrics from environmental audit reports and provides a strong evidence base to help regulators, academics and commercial practitioners rank and prioritize sites based on their site history and associated risks.

Experimental analysis of Anti-Reflective coating performance in desert Climate: Yield analysis, soiling impact and cleaning durability evaluation

The objective of this paper is to experimentally evaluate the performance of a commercial single layer inverse porous silica Anti-reflective coating (ARC) system when installed in desert locations. Three aspects were evaluated: the first aimed to assess the electrical performance by comparing the yield of a non-coated PV module with the AR-coated one. The second focused on analyzing the impact of soiling on the optical properties of ARC glass samples and comparing them to the uncoated ones. Lastly, a laboratory linear abrasion test was conducted to evaluate the durability of the investigated commercial ARC coating against long-term dry cleaning. In addition to the technical investigation, an economic analysis was conducted to better evaluate the feasibility of ARC integration under desert climates.The results indicate that the investigated ARC panels exhibit superior electrical performance, with a PR higher by relatively 2 % compared to the non-coated ones. Moreover, the ARC glass samples demonstrate good optical performance against soiling, with a Soiling Losses (SL) relatively lower by 3.7 % compared to non-coated samples for the same exposure period. Regarding the abrasion test, the investigated ARC coating exhibited relatively good durability, with a transmittance loss (Tloss) of only 2.6 % after 1500 brushing cycles. This is equivalent to 28.8 years of weekly cleaning from the initial state. The findings also demonstrate that the implementation of ARC panels can significantly benefit desert locations as they can enhance the power plant's production by 5 %, resulting in a 2.7 % drop in the LCOE compared to the uncoated modules.

Indoor PM2.5 concentrations in various retail stores in an urban city: Levels, sources and health risk assessment

This study provides information about PM2.5 indoor–outdoor mass concentrations, indoor/outdoor ratios (I/O) and health risks associated with PM2.5 inhalation in seven various retail stores: photocopy centre, bakery, restaurant, hairdresser, dry cleaner, grocery store and hotel. Simultaneous indoor and outdoor measurements were performed in all retail stores in both summer and winter seasons, weekdays and weekends, and also during busy and less-active hours to obtain a realistic exposure assessment. According to the results, indoor PM2.5 levels in the winter season were comparatively higher than those measured in the summer season. The highest PM2.5 concentrations were measured at the hairdresser (3076.0 ± 1345.5 µg/m3) and restaurant (2138.1 ± 636.4 µg/m3) in each sampling period in winter. I/O ratios of &gt;1 were obtained at the hairdresser (7.3–72.3) and restaurant (1.6–17.3) in the winter season and at the hairdresser (1.3–12.7) and dry cleaner (1.1–1.7) in the summer season in all measurement periods. Quite high indoor PM2.5 concentrations and consequently high I/O ratios indicated a strong contribution from indoor sources rather than infiltration of ambient air. Non-carcinogenic health risks due to PM2.5 exposure were evaluated by estimating hazard quotient (HQ) values, and all HQ values were above the acceptable limit of 1 defined by US EPA for the photocopy centre, hairdresser and dry cleaner in both seasons. The results showed that indoor activities at the retail stores were significant for indoor PM2.5 levels as well as occupational health risks faced by employees at retail stores.

Encounter with the Father of Op Art, Victor Vasarely: Research in Conservation and Art History, and Conservation Work on the Barson Collage

ABSTRACT The father of Op Art, Victor Vasarely, is the author of a paper collage called Barson, owned by the Museum of Contemporary Art, in Zagreb, which is the only such example in Croatian public cultural institutions. The collage was created in 1967 using the screen printing technique on paper glued to a paper support and then onto large-sized hardboard, and its creation was influenced by the leading objectivist artistic and philosophical trends and knowledge of the time, under the influence of which Vasarely created his art. The collage was found very dusty and with many damages on the entire surface of the paper support, such as cracks, dried and detached parts and traces of activities of insects. Works of Op Art imply an undisturbed perception of the artwork, which in the case of the Barson collage, due to caused damage, was impossible. Therefore, conservation and restoration work was carried out that included extensive research and numerous tests, followed by dry cleaning, gluing both layers of the paper carrier, removing traces of insects and the necessary, minimal retouching. The corresponding wooden frame was cleaned of a layer of dust, and the smaller, missing part was reconstructed with the same type of wood and finally retouched.

Microbial assessment of poultry farm biosecurity. Proceeding of The First International Avian Influenza Summit, University of Arkansas- October 16-17, 2023”

Biosecurity may be defined as protection from pathogens or disease. This may include the separation of the flock from living vectors or inanimate objects called fomites. While prevention of host-specific and zoonotic diseases is important, the commercial poultry industry is already preoccupied with the challenges of day-to-day operations. The purpose of this project was to illustrate how surfaces that may seem clean are heavily contaminated with microorganisms that may be responsible for human and avian diseases. We also evaluated three common intervention strategies, including disposable boot covers, foot baths, and tire disinfection. Poultry environmental samples were collected at the Texas A\&amp;M University Poultry Science Research Center, including fan shrouds, side air inlets, cool cell reservoirs, truck tires, truck floor mats, doorknobs, controller panels, a bioaerosol air sampler, and an impactor air sampler. A total of 30 samples were collected per sample type, which was homogenized, serially diluted, and spread plated onto agar media to culture total aerobes, Staphylococci, and coliform bacteria. 6.6 log10 colony-forming units cfu/cm2 of aerobic bacteria were found at the greatest concentration, followed by Staphylococci (5.6 log10 colony-forming units cfu/cm2) and coliforms (2 log10 colony-forming units cfu/cm2). This pattern was observed in most of the samples. Boot covers, foot baths, and tire disinfection were tested for efficacy. While disposable boot covers significantly reduced the number of aerobes, Staphylococci, and coliforms, as many as 300 microorganisms per cm2 still made it through to the inner boot cover. Disinfectants are commonly misused due to not properly clearing the surface prior to application or allowing the proper contact time. We found that while disinfection significantly reduced these indicator organisms, that reductions were only 10 to 100-fold, leaving many viable bacteria behind. Increased contact time from 3 seconds to 10 minutes resulted in significant reductions of aerobes and Staphylococcus. The tire wash data mirrored our foot bath data. Data was shared from previous laboratory and field trials. Less than 1% sterile poultry litter significantly reduced disinfectant efficacy across four product categories. Extended storage time of 30 weeks reduced product efficacy as well. We shared electron micrographs to illustrate how visually clean and smooth surfaces provide many hiding places for microbes, reducing disinfectant efficacy. While risk can never be reduced to zero, it may be reduced and controlled with good management practices. Cleaning and disinfection should follow a five-step process of dry cleaning, soap wash, rinse, drying, and finally disinfection. Labels should be read closely so that the product is used safely and effectively. While there are many viable products on the market, disinfecting a clean surface and following recommendations for contact time are very important to get the best results. Following best management practices such as reducing pest (insect/rodent) harborage and following your integrated pest management program will help reduce risk significantly.

Suitability of silver birch bark as a natural source for cotton dyeing

Suitability of silver birch bark as a natural source for dyeing cotton. The study was carried out on dyeing cotton fabric with silver birch bark extract without a mordant and with the use of mordants - oxalic acid and inorganic salts of aluminum, tin, iron and copper. The color of the fabric was determined in the CIE L*a*b* system. Pale orange to salmon shades were obtained. In the case of iron and copper, a significantly different color was obtained, dark grayish and rusty, respectively. Color fastness tests were carried out using hot water, mineral acid, mild and hot washing, dry cleaning and natural exposure to sunlight. Excellent resistance to dry cleaning and mild and hot washing was found, as well as good resistance to mineral acid. The dyed fabric had the weakest, although still quite good, resistance to sunlight.

Surface inoculation method impacts microbial reduction and transfer of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 30 and potential surrogates during dry sanitation

Dry sanitation methods are often limited to physical removal strategies such as brushing or wiping with sanitary cleaning tools. However, the relative efficacy of these approaches to remove microbiota on surfaces, and the risk of transferring cells to other surfaces via the cleaning tool, is unclear. The effect of dry wiping with a single-use towel on the removal of four different bacteria (Salmonella Enteritidis, Enterococcus faecium, Listeria innocua, Escherichia coli) was investigated. We also quantified the number of cells transferred to the towel itself during dry cleaning. Three different surface inoculation methods (spot, glass bead, contaminated milk powder) were assessed and significantly impacted initial surface microbial load. Higher initial counts corresponded to lower transfer coefficients (e.g., proportion of transferred cells). The effect of bacterial identity was significant on reduction after dry wiping for all three inoculation methods. Moreover, both bacterial identity and inoculation method had significant effects on the number of cells transferred to the towel. In most scenarios, dry wiping resulted in a reduction <1.0 log CFU/coupon. Although, on surfaces inoculated via contaminated milk powder, reductions of up to 1.6 ± 0.3 log CFU/coupon were obtained. Overall, E. faecium transferred more readily to the towel. These results may help guide experimental design for future research on dry sanitation.

Dyeing Performance and Anti-Superbacterial Activity of Cotton Fabrics Dyed with Chamaecyparis obtusa.

In hospitals, doctors' and patients' uniforms, as well as bedding and textiles, can be carriers of superbacteria. This study was conducted to test the anti-superbacterial activity of cotton fabrics dyed with extracts of Chamaecyparis obtusa (C. obtusa). The dye was extracted by boiling C. obtusa in water. The test cotton was mordant-dyed three times with the solution at a 1:17 dyeing bath ratio and at an 8.69% (o.w.f) dye concentration for 15 min at 40 °C. C. obtusa dyeing demonstrated a high dyeing affinity in the absence of mordant (K/S value = 14.62). The K/S value of the dyed fabric increased in the order of Cu-mordanted, Fe-mordanted, non-mordanted, and Al-mordanted cotton. Dry cleaning, perspiration and rubbing fastness were determined to be good (Grade 4-5). The dyed fabrics appeared to have a high deodorizing ability compared to the control fabric. They showed not only antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), known to be frequently found in fabrics, but also higher antibacterial activity against the superbacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (reduced by 99.7%). These results suggest that fabric dyed with C. obtusa extract may be used in clothes and bed linens for inpatients, given its high anti-superbacterial activity. Furthermore, such fabrics may contribute to inhibiting pathogenic infections when used in hospital uniforms or operation gowns for doctors or nurses in hospitals.

Impact of conventional and advanced cleaning techniques on the durability of firefighter turnout ensembles

The concern for firefighters’ occupational exposure to harmful contaminants is growing due to the increase in health issues in the firefighting community. At such times, effective decontamination of personnel and equipment is an essential component of a hazard mitigation strategy. The current decontamination practices used for firefighter protective clothing have been shown to not be very effective. Hence, the scientific community is looking for several alternatives to conventional washing procedures. Liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) has been used in laundering and has distinct advantages over conventional dry-cleaning solvents such as perchloroethylene. The following study is aimed to assess how different washing procedures affect the durability of the turnout material. The study includes using three washing procedures on different samples: 1) conventional washing procedure, 2) liquid CO2 washing procedure, and 3) a high-temperature washing procedure. Samples for durability testing were constructed from a common aramid fabric used in firefighter turnout ensembles. These swatches were subjected to different washing techniques. The durability assessment was performed for physical testing of the samples, visual inspection, water repellency, and quantifying color changes using spectrophotometric analysis. The conventional wash and high-temperature washing affected the durability of the outer shell material in a significant manner. The liquid CO2 process did not affect the samples’ water repellency or physical strength. In contrast, conventional and high-temperature washing significantly affected the durability of the outer shell material. However, all samples met the criteria for tearing strength outlined in the NFPA 1971 standard subsection 7.1.11.