Personal Protective Clothing Research Articles

Improper Fitting Personal Protective Clothing and Subsequent Countermeasures for Physical Conditioning in Female Firefighters

The purpose of this paper was to 1) use an explorative literature overview to identify issues related to ill-fitting clothing and occupational gear for female firefighters, and 2) use an inductive approach to develop generalizable recommendations for exercise professionals to utilize by identifying significant themes in published peer reviewed articles related to movement and injury risk. Research, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches, has shown that the majority of current personal protective clothing (PPC) and operational gear was developed to fit a limited array of male physiques. Consequently, the improper fit of PPC and gear has presented numerous concerns that, if not addressed, will continue to present unnecessary occupational challenges and risk to firefighters, especially female firefighters. These issues include, but are not limited to, an increased risk of hazardous material exposure, elevated thermoregulatory challenges, higher injury risk due compensatory biomechanical movement during occupational tasks, and lower self-efficacy and emotional well-being. Countermeasures for physical conditioning that target injury risk factors or other issues associated with improper fitting of PPC and gear may include strengthening and stabilizing specific joints or regions of the body (e.g., core, shoulder, and back), reducing health-related risk factors that magnify issues (e.g., body composition), and consulting with a certified exercise professional (e.g., TSAC-F) for program development. Although ongoing research is still needed, the data and subsequent recommendations provided may present valuable insight into injury risk reduction and individualized exercise training considerations for female firefighters that take into consideration improper PPC fit.

Study on Cut‐Resistance Properties of Composite Yarn Based Knitted UHMWPE Textiles: Influence of Reinforcement, Radiant Heat Exposure, Outdoor Environment, and Cutting Angles

ABSTRACTThe safety of workers in hazardous environments depends on personal protective clothing capable of withstanding various real‐world challenges, especially in automotive, glass, aerospace, mining, construction, and food industries where cut hazards are prevalent. Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene (UHMWPE) is widely utilized in cut‐protective textiles for its exceptional strength and durability. This study investigates the cut‐performance of stainless‐steel and glass fibers reinforced UHMWPE knitted fabrics under real‐world industrial conditions, focusing on the influence of varying cutting angles, outdoor environments, and thermal exposure on their cut‐protective efficacy. Reinforcement significantly improved cut‐performance, with stainless‐steel reinforced UHMWPE fabric (13SU) exhibited the highest tear strength (lengthwise‐313.1 N, widthwise‐405.8 N) and abrasion resistance (withstanding up to 800 rubbing cycles), providing best cut‐protection with cutting force of 32.43 N at 90° cutting angle. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) characterizations revealed UHMWPE's sensitivity to thermal effects, with a significant decrease in crystallinity after exposure to radiant heat flux of 20 kW/m2 at fabric surface, leading to diminished cut‐performance. Environmental durability assessments indicated a reduction in cut‐resistance properties due to changes in the chemical composition of UHMWPE polymer structure, such as the presence of ketone (CO) and hydroxy (OH) polar groups, as confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Impact of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus on Air Gaps in Structural Firefighting Personal Protective Clothing

The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is an integral part of the structural firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) ensemble. However, when donned, it adds significant weight and restriction, interfering with the fit of the turnout suit and the ventilation within the clothing system. This may result in a reduction of air gaps within the clothing microclimate, quickening the onset of heat strain. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the SCBA on air gaps in structural firefighting turnout suits. Nine active-duty male firefighter participants were scanned in a three-dimensional body scanner in four garment configurations (compression, base layers, turnout suit, and turnout with SCBA). Torso volume, surface area, and air gaps were calculated alongside ease measurements. Findings demonstrated a 59% increase in torso volume when donning the turnout suit over base layers compared to a 1.2% reduction in torso volume when donning the SCBA. The change in torso air gap volume and distance were also found to be negligible when donning the SCBA. This study lays the foundation for full systems ensemble research needed to better understand how the design, weight, and fit of the SCBA impacts the thermal comfort, mobility, and protection of structural firefighters.

Empowering South African Women in Mining: Redesigned Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) Solutions

Empowering South African Women in Mining: Redesigned Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) Solutions

Flammability and Thermoregulation Performance of Multilayer Protective Clothing Incorporated with Phase Change Materials.

Firefighters need personal protection equipment and protective clothing to be safe and protected when responding to fire incidents. At present, firefighters' suits are developed by using inherently thermal-resistant fibers but pose serious problems related to comfort. In the present research, multilayered fire-fighting fabrics were developed with different fiber blends. Multilayer fire retardant (FR) fabrics with phase change materials (PCMs) inserts were developed and compared with reference multilayer fabrics without PCM. In this context, four fabric samples were chosen to fabricate the multilayer FR fabrics. Properties of multilayer fabrics were investigated, which include physical, thermo-physiological comfort, and flame-resistant performance. The heating process of the clothing was examined using infrared (IR) thermography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal protective testing (TPP), and steady-state (Convective and Radiant) heat resistance tests. Areal density and thickness were measured as physical parameters, and air permeability (AP), overall moisture management capacity (OMMC), and thermal conductivity were measured as thermo-physiological comfort characteristics. The inclusion of PCM improved the thermal protection as well as flame resistance significantly. Sample S1 (Nomex + PTFE + Nomex with PCM) demonstrated superior fire resistance, air permeability, and thermal protection, with a 37.3% increase in air permeability as compared to the control sample (SC) by maintaining comfort while offering high thermal resilience. The inclusion of PCM enhanced its thermal regulation, moderating heat transfer. Flame resistance tests confirmed its excellent performance, while thermo-physiological assessments highlighted a well-balanced combination of thermal conductivity and air permeability. This study will help to improve the performance of firefighter protective fabrics and provide guidelines in terms of balancing comfort and performance while designing firefighter protective clothing for different climatic conditions.

Natural Radiation Sourced Heat Stress: Thermal Comfort Depending On Color Factor In Safety Reflector Vests

Research has shown that personal protective clothing is not used by employees due to personal reasons such as lack of working comfort and heat stress. Solar (UV) radiation creates a heat effect on people working outdoors. Agricultural and construction workers are exposed to solar radiation and are known to be at high risk of heat stress, especially in arid climates. It is important for the person to individually evaluate the ambient temperature as hot or cold for the ergonomic conditions of the employee. In this study, for increasing safety and comfort expectations, heat changes in reflector vests based on colors of heating due to natural radiation were estimated with thermal camera measurements, and gained heat values ​​of vests with different fabric thicknesses were estimated using fuzzy logic modeling over time, and the effects of natural radiation on human health were examined.

Assessment of Wearable Cooling and Dehumidifying System Used under Personal Protective Clothing through Human Subject Testing

Healthcare professionals wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during outbreaks often experience heat strain and discomfort, which can negatively impact their work performance and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and psychological effects of a newly designed wearable cooling and dehumidifying system (WCDS) on healthcare workers wearing PPE via a 60 min treadmill walking test. Core temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate, and subjective assessments of thermal sensation, wetness sensation, and thermal comfort were measured throughout the test. Additionally, ratings of wearing comfort and movement comfort were recorded during a wearing trial. The results showed that the WCDS significantly reduced core temperature, improved thermal sensation, and reduced wetness sensation compared to the non-cooling condition. The microclimatic temperature within the PPE was significantly lower in the cooling condition, indicating the WCDS’s ability to reduce heat buildup. The wearing trial results demonstrated general satisfaction with the wearability and comfort of the WCDS across various postures. These findings contribute to the development of enhanced PPE designs and the improvement in working conditions for healthcare professionals on the frontlines during outbreaks.

Janus outdoor protective clothing with unidirectional moisture transfer, antibacterial, and mosquito repellent properties

Personal protective clothing with versatile and durable features is highly desirable for daily and specific environmental scenarios. Especially for outdoor workers or sports enthusiasts, prolonged outdoor exposure requires their clothing to be more functional to cope with a wide range of situations, such as heat stress in summer, odor generation after sweating, and mosquito bites. These not only reduce the wearing comfort of clothing, but also bring potential heat stroke, skin infections and diseases brought by mosquitoes. Currently, most outdoor protective clothes focus on a single function, such as waterproofing and UV protection and are not able to cope with the demand of multiple protections. In this paper, we developed permethrin-containing triblock cationic polymers (PTCPs) that can multi-functionalize outdoor clothing. Benefiting from their high affinity to polyester fibers, PTCP modified polyester yarns were obtained by an aqueous based finishing process. After that, a scalable machine-knitting fabrication technique is employed to fabricate Janus outdoor protective clothes (Janus-OPC). The as-prepared Janus-OPC exhibited excellent one-way moisture transfer properties (forward cumulative one-way transfer index (OWTI) of 924.23%, and backward OWTI of −690.52%), antimicrobial properties (97.73% and 99.72% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively), and mosquito repellent properties (repelling rate of 76.19%). Moreover, the protective performance of the Janus-OPC was maintained after 50 times of equivalent home laundering cycles. This multifunctional protective clothing opens up a new direction for the next-generation outdoor wear.

Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis among Primary School Pupils in Riverine Community of Garko Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that has become endemic in the riverine communities, primarily among school-age children, leading to school absenteeism. The study determines the prevalence of urinary Schistosomiasis and predisposition factors. A total of One hundred and fifty urine samples were examined for the presence of Schistosoma haematobium ova and detection of haematuria. The result obtained was tested using the Chi-Square test, and the overall prevalence was 53.3%. The infection rate was higher among males (58%) than the females (42%). The infection rate was higher among the ≥15 years age group (69.2%), while the 5-9 years age group had the least infection rate (47.2%). The study observed that the highest prevalence (62.0%) was recorded in Kafinchiri Primary School; this might be due to the influence of the water body in the community. The predisposition factors include gender, as males recorded the higher prevalence, which might be related to the economic activities such as irrigation, fishing, and laundry occurring in the riverine area. Age groups among the pupils had an impact on the prevalence of school absenteeism, and running away before closing hours is partially attributed to recreational activities, including swimming. Maintaining a safe distance between schools and water bodies and limiting frequent visits to the riverine area is crucial. The use of personal protective clothing and prompt treatment of infected persons should be encouraged to curtail the infection.

Radiative Cooling and Protective Clothing Through Lamination of Hierarchically Porous Membrane

AbstractPersonal protective clothing is designed to safeguard medical personnel from highly infectious diseases. However, it often compromises comfort, especially when worn outdoors during epidemics like the global COVID‐19 outbreak. This can lead to discomfort and even heatstroke. To tackle this issue, radiative cooling is incorporated into personal protective clothing by integrating hierarchically porous poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) membranes into the fabric. These membranes possess a remarkable solar reflection rate of 96.9% and a strong mid‐infrared emittance of 95.2%. In practical scenarios, when exposed to clear sunny weather at midday, wearing radiative cooling personal protective clothing has the potential to reduce the temperature by 4.7 °C compared to commercially available personal protective clothing. Moreover, the lamination of porous PVDF‐HFP membranes enhances the protective capacity by increasing the synthetic blood penetration pressure from 7 to 20 kPa. The manufacturing process is straightforward, cost‐effective, and aligns with industry standards, making it suitable for large‐scale implementation in epidemic prevention and control. This technology offers comfortable protection while minimizing the risk of heatstroke.

Occupational orthopedic problems and its relation to personal radiation protection in interventional radiology

PurposeSeveral studies report occupational orthopedic problems among interventional cardiologists. These health problems are usually multifactorial. However, the personal protective equipment used should play a major role. An online survey was conducted to determine the frequency of such health problems among interventional radiologists and to correlate them with the use of personal radiation protective clothing. Material and MethodsAn anonymous online survey that comprised of 17 questions was sent via e-mail to 1427 members of the German Society for Interventional Radiology (DeGIR) in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The questions were focused on interventional workload, the use of personal radiation protection apparel and orthopedic problems. Given the different scale levels, the associations between the variables were analyzed using different statistical methods. A significance level of p < 0.05 was chosen. ResultsThere were 221 survey responders (15.5% response rate). About half of responders (47.7%) suffered from more than five episodes of orthopedic problems during their interventional career. Lumbar spine was involved in 81.7% of these cases, cervical spine in 32.8%, shoulder in 28.5% and knee in 24.7%. Because of orthopedic problems, 16.1% of the responders had to reduce and 2.7% had to stop their interventional practice.The number of affected body regions correlates with the fit of the radiation protection means (p < 0.05, r = 0.135) and the reduction of activity as an interventional radiologist (p < 0.05, r = −0.148). ConclusionOverall, the survey reveals widespread orthopedic problems at several body regions among interventional radiologists, associated with the fit of radiation protection systems, among other factors. A connection between the orthopaedic complaints and the radiation protection system used could not be established.

An Assessment of Factors Affecting Employee Performance in Zambian Local Authorities: A Case Study of Lukulu Town Council

Organizational performance through employee performance has been a major global concern of companies and as such various organizations have shifted focus on engineering their employee management processes. The purpose of the study was to assess factors affecting employee performance in Zambian municipalities. The study was guided by three objectives which were; to establish effects of employee motivation on employee performance; to find out the effect of working conditions on employee performance, and to establish the effect of management style on employee performance. A mixed method approach was used with questionnaire and scheduled interviews as data collection tools. A census was used to derive the total sample size of 93 employees. Stratified sampling technique was utilized where 93 respondents were administered with questionnaires while 11 respondents were selected for qualitative data collection through interviews. The study utilized a descriptive approach to quantitative data analysis through the use of SPSS while qualitative data was themed for content analysis. The study response was 97%. The results revealed that majority of the employees at 83% stated that they did not receive enough morale to achieve their tasks which depicted lack of motivation through performance management strategies and feedback. Similarly, 70% stated that they lacked a proper environment, tools, personal protective clothing, and equipment to undertake their tasks effectively and efficiently. Further, 75% stated that there was no key consultation and feedback with regards to tasks and grievances, which are a critical component for motivation and effective performance of roles and responsibilities. Employees felt discriminated which is contrary to the aspirations of the Equity Theory. The study concluded that despite setting clear organizational goals, management lacked proper merit based performance management strategies interlaced with motivation techniques, the creation of a conducive working environment through provision of requisite tools for effective performance and proper establishment of both vertical and horizontal work relationships between superiors and subordinates for effective communication. Therefore, the study strongly recommends the establishment of reward based performance management systems with measurable key performance indicators to accord feedback to the employees along with the need to invest in employee health and safety through provision of well-ventilated office space, personal protective equipment and other working tools. There must be deliberately established systems of top-bottom communication to create a sense of belonging and promote inclusiveness in decision making for employees at production level through necessary key consultations and performance feedback.

Analysis of the Material Characteristics of Firefighter Personal Protective Clothing

The firefighter’s personal protective apparel is the most significant aspect of the firefighter’s profession since it protects practically the entire body of the firefighter. Protective clothing must not only provide protection during firefighting, but also against other environmental effects. The purpose of the article is for the authors to propose possible directions for development along with a description of the material and ergonomic characteristics of the personal protective clothing worn by firefighters. After processing the related Hungarian and international literature, the authors present all the material properties that serve as the basis for the protective ability of protective clothing. Based on these, the reader can deepen their knowledge within this topic. At the end of the article,the authors offer solutions and suggestions, in order to increase the resistance of the firefighting protective clothing and, in addition, to improve the ergonomic characteristics.

Boosting Copper Biocidal Activity by Silver Decoration and Few-Layer Graphene in Coatings on Textile Fibers.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of developing antiviral surface coatings that are capable of repelling pathogens and neutralizing them through self-sanitizing properties. In this study, a novel coating design based on few-layer graphene (FLG) is proposed and silver-decorated micro copper flakes (CuMF) that exhibit both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The role of sacrificial anode surfaces and intrinsic graphene defects in enhancing the release of metal ions from CuMF embedded in water-based binders is investigated. In silico analysis is conducted to better understand the molecular interactions of pathogen-repelling species with bacterial or bacteriophage proteins. The results show that the optimal amount of CuMF/FLG in the coating leads to a significant reduction in bacterial growth, with reductions of 3.17 and 9.81 log for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The same coating also showed high antiviral efficacy, reducing bacteriophage phi6 by 5.53 log. The antiviral efficiency of the coating is find to be doubled compared to either micro copper flakes or few-layer graphene alone. This novel coating design is versatile and can be applied to various substrates, such as personal protective clothing and face masks, to provide biocidal activity against both bacterial and viral pathogens.

Analysis of Energy Absorption of Soft Body Armor with Experimental Method and Finite Element Method Using STF (Shear Thickening Fluid) Composite Material

Body armor is personal protective equipment or shield clothing for soldiers that has existed since Roman times until now. The function of body armor is to protect the body from attacks by foreign objects by absorbing energy. Body armor must have ballistic resistance and stabbing resistance, however, body armor that is often found usually has a high anti-ballistic level but is low in receiving stabbing attacks. STF (Shear Thickening Fluid) is a composite material which is unique in that the viscosity level can change in a way that causes the liquid dispersion to become solid and allows for increased stabbing resistance. This research began by making Kevlar samples which were then mixed with STF and then subjected to tensile testing to obtain material properties that were useful for simulating with FEM. The simulation is intended to analyze the rate of energy absorption that occurs in the sample. The results show that the kinetic energy absorption rate of the bullet is absorbed at a viscosity of 87%. The small energy that occurs is also absorbed in the form of frictional resistance with a value of 11.9%. The identified comparison results show that in cases 1-3 the percentage of viscosity is high so it is viscous, whereas in case 4 the direct reflection of the viscosity is low so it is close to liquid.

Impact of different personal protective clothing for firefighters in mountain areas.

Mountain hiking is an unpredictable activity for firefighters during the search, rescue, and firefighting. Could the quality of the uniform worn by firefighters affect psychophysiological variables? The objective of this study was to monitor the responses of perceived exertion (RPE), musculoskeletal pain (MP), and heart rate variability (HRV) responses in firefighters using different uniforms on a 5 km mountain walking activity. The feeling of comfort, safety, and ergonomic adjustment of the two types of uniforms also was verified. Sixteen firefighters were divided into two groups: 4thRUPM"B2" (33% polyester and 67% cotton) vs. GOLD (50% polyamide and 50% cotton). The GOLD group wore a prototype that had not yet been operationally tested. The independent t-test showed that the groups had similar results in RPE at post-march (Omni-Walk/Run = 3.5±0.9 vs. 2.9±0.6 AU). ANOVA Two-way (2x group and 2x time) was used to verify differences in body mass (BM), MP, and HRV. There was a main effect of time (pre- vs. post-march; p < 0.05) for BM, MP, heart rate (HR), mean RR, RMSSD, pNN50, and HF, regardless of group (4thRUPM"B2" vs. GOLD). Rainwater increased post-march BM (92.2±9.8 kg vs. 93.5±9.9 kg). MP (28.9±2.9 vs. 33.2±7.7 AU), HR (71.6±14.2 vs. 99.0±26.3 bpm), RMSSD (74.8±53.7 vs. 126.5±74.4 ms) and HF (48.5±20.2 vs. 60.0±16.7 nu) also increased post-march. The mean RR (875.2±153.3 vs. 673.9±155.3 ms) and pNN50 (33.1±18.6 vs. 46.3±23.9%) reduced post-march. There was a subjective preference for GOLD. Different uniforms do not compromise psychophysiological variables during the mountain hike but differentiate ergonomic subjectivity.

Waste management and its possible development in the Slovak Republic

This paper analyses the climate impacts of the individual waste management activities expressed in the waste management hierarchy. The author seeks to include the mentioned impacts in the Slovak reality of waste management. Moreover, this paper includes foreign approaches to municipal waste management and the analysis of the extent of merits and demerits of waste-to-energy plants. Herein, the author seeks to assess the current possibilities of heat and electricity production from municipal waste. According to the waste management hierarchy, the waste to-energy approach is better and more suitable than waste landfilling (waste disposal). However, it must not collide with higher methods of waste management hierarchy. The mentioned principle should be respected when performing the waste-to-energy approach; however, some types of materials are not suitable for higher methods of the waste management hierarchy, such as personal protective equipment, including facemasks, protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments, or equipment predominantly designed to protect the wearer9s body from infection by COVID-19. Per my perspective, these waste materials are highly suitable for waste-to-energy production because of their depreciation caused by the possible infection. Therefore, the methods of prevention, re-use, or recycling are not applicable to them. However, these objects have the potential to serve as sources of energy. In my knowledge, Slovak legislation has not responded in a specific legislative way that would state how to manage the aforementioned objects. Thus, in general, this paper elucidates the possible development of waste-to-energy plants in the Slovak Republic and also describes the author9s approach to the opportunities of the landfill backdown in the Slovak legal environment.

Evaluating healthcare workers’ current isolation gown design features and maintenance practices for their safety and protection

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate key design features and maintenance practices of isolation gowns which should be improved for ensuring healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) safety and protection, integrating two theoretical models – personal protective clothing on worker performance and clothing comfort. Using a survey research design, an online survey was employed with a convenience sample of 153 US HCWs. The results presented the need for isolation gown design improvement within donning and doffing, comfort, body coverage, fit and sizing. It showcases interrelationships among isolation gown properties, HCWs’ task requirements, environmental conditions and their characteristics, and how comfort can be achieved while interacting among HCWs, isolation gown and the environment for better work performance and safety. This study provides critical insights into the novel isolation gown design and development by considering more of its utilitarian, task-related features to ensure HCWs’ safety and protection.

Knowledge and perceptions of smallholder farmers regarding Solanum incanum L. use as a pesticide in Mkoba community in Gweru, Zimbabwe

This study explored the knowledge and perceptions the smallholder farmers in Mkoba village hold regarding the use of extracts of the root and fruit of S. incanum. A questionnaire was administered to 49 sampled respondents (age range 16 to 70 years) from Mkoba village who practiced communal gardening and used Solanum incanum as a pesticide. The data were reported in frequency tables and graphs. The Chi-square was used to determine the associations between the respondents’ perceptions and education level, age, and gender at p = .05. An independent t-test was also used to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between the different educational groups in their perceptions of S. incanum at p = .05. Of the 49 respondents, 20(40.8%) were in the age range of 30-50 years, and 30 (61.2%) were female. The study found that respondents were knowledgeable about the S. incanum preparations, of which 18 (36.7%) of that indigenous knowledge came from their parents. Many uses of S. incanum were reported which included wound healing 23 (46.9%), toothache 32 (65.3%), and stomach-ache 34(69.3%) remedy. There were mixed opinions reported regarding its environmental user-friendliness, health benefits, and efficacy. Twenty-six 26 (53%) of the respondents believed that S. incanum was non-poisonous and therefore they did not see the need for any precautional measures including the use of personal protective clothing. The most prevalent symptoms of diseases were skin rash 30 (61.2%), nausea 13 (26.5%), headache 15 (30.6%), and poor vision 8 (16.3%) and these symptoms were common in the age group 30 to 60 years. The popular use of S. incanum was attributed to the strong cultural background as well as the unavailability of money to purchase commercial pesticides. Appropriate awareness and education programmes in the community should be organised by the community leaders to increase the level of knowledge to enhance appropriate attitudes and perceptions regarding the hazards S. incanum brings as a pesticide. Key words: Solanum incanum, knowledge, perceptions, pesticides, poison, health- symptoms, smallholder

30 Engineered Nanoparticle Resuspension Contributing to Inhalation Exposure from Contaminated Protective Clothing

Abstract In this study, we investigated engineered nanoparticle (ENP) release associated with the contamination of personal protective clothing during the simulated motion of the human wearing the ENP-contaminated protective clothing and evaluated the relative ENP retention on the fabric. The release of airborne ENPs can contribute to inhalation exposure, which is the route of exposure of most concern to cause adverse health effects in the pulmonary system. The evaluation focuses on four popular fabric materials making the laboratory coats (cotton, polypropylene, polyester cotton blend, and Tyvek®) and three types of ENPs (Al2O3, carbon black and CNT). The magnitudes of particle contamination and resuspension were investigated by measuring the number concentration increase of airborne particles in sizes of 10 nm to 10 μm and the weight changes on fabric pieces. Collected aerosol particles and contaminated fabric surfaces were further characterized for understanding particle morphology, elements, agglomeration and surface contamination status. The particle resuspension from contaminated lab coat fabric was found to vary by the type of fabric material. Cotton fabric showed the highest level of particle resuspension for all three tested ENPs. Data were evaluated to determine the dominant forces responsible for ENP adhesion on the surface of the fabric. Tyvek® fabric was determined as the best fabric for trapping Al2O3 and carbon black ENPs indicating less resuspension of particles meaning lower subsequent release, but not durable enough to wear for the long term compared with other fabrics.