Use Of Protective Clothing Research Articles

Investigation of relative rates of solvent and solute penetration through protective glove materials

AbstractPesticides are often formulated as a concentrate in volatile organic solvents. The most important means of preventing the contamination of workers using the concentrate is by the use of protective clothing, particularly gloves. The influence of formulation solvent on solute permeation rates across selected protective glove materials has been investigated. In one of the cases studied, the solute penetrated the glove material appreciably faster than the formulation solvent. This result, therefore, questions the manner in which gloves are often selected for protection against pesticide formulations (by selecting the glove that offers the best protection against the formulation solvent rather than the active ingredient). Although this is a preliminary study, it is recommended that, to gain the maximum protective effect, all selected gloves are tested using the formulation of choice and that the permeation of all components of the formulation is monitored and reported. It may, therefore, be necessary for glove and pesticide manufacturers to re‐examine the way in which these tests are carried out and the processes of product selection used.

Compensation strategies in sun protection behaviors by a population with nonmelanoma skin cancer

Background. Initiation of sun protection strategies can be promoted, to some extent, by educational efforts, but little is known about the merit of continuing education interventions in sustaining the desired behaviors or adding new behaviors. This prospective study clarifies the choices individuals make among the four strategies that allow them to maintain lifestyle changes. Methods. From 1983 to 1987, the population received education about sun protection coupled with the removal of a nonmelanoma skin cancer. One year later, their choice of sun protection methods was determined. Then annually from 1985 to 1989, they received written recommendations about sun protection for a period of 2–6 years after the initial education. The maintenance, cessation, and addition to the initial sun protection behaviors were ascertained by a questionnaire, as was the intention to change. Frequency of physician visits and development of subsequent nonmelanoma skin cancer were evaluated by medical chart review for the 2–6 year phase of continued education. Results. One percent of the population consisting mostly of women described ceasing tanning after 2–6 years of education. The population related a greater use of protective clothing and/or sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater as their reported restrictions on outdoor activities ceased. An emerging new strategy of some of the population ( n = 185) was the use of sunscreens with an SPF less than 15 in association with attempts to deliberately tan and longer daily outdoor exposure. Neither frequency of physician visits nor numbers of subsequent nonmelanoma skin cancers influenced continuation or addition of sun protection behaviors. Conclusions. While the greatest reported change in behavior was temporarily associated with educational intervention linked to removal of the skin cancer, continued educational efforts may have recruited some individuals to cease tanning and encouraged others to adopt the use of protective clothing or more frequent sunscreen use as they were unable to maintain the limitations on outdoor activities. It is not possible to structure a control group restricted from mass media education; therefore, the effectiveness of specific behavior-directed education cannot be precisely determined. Nonetheless, the population described using knowledge to develop compensation sun protection strategies that preserved lifestyle.

Motorcycling attitudes and behaviours. II. 14 and 15 year old adolescents

Of 846 adolescents interviewed near their 15th birthday, 51% could drive a motorcycle. A further 13% intended to learn. Drivers reported friends (mean age 16.5 years) as the most common source of instruction. Forty-four per cent of drivers and 69% of intending learners planned to apply for licences. Thirty-five per cent of the sample had driven or ridden as passengers on a motorcycle on-road in the past year and 85% of these had worn a helmet on the last occasion. The commonest cause of injuries to motorcyclists resulting in hospitalization (lower limb injury) was correctly identified by 52% of the sample. Fear of injury was the reason given for not learning to ride by 55% of confirmed non-drivers. Fifteen medically treated motorcycling injuries were reported for a 2-year recall period. Females reported significantly less exposure and less use of protective clothing than males. The issues of initiation, training, constraints on use and preventive strategies are discussed.

A Comprehensive, Integrated Review and Evaluation of the Scientific Evidence Relating to the Safety of the Herbicide 2,4-D

The safety of 2,4-D to farm and forestry workers, commercial applicators and the general public has been of continuing concern because certain epidemiological studies of groups potentially exposed to 2,4-D have suggested a relationship between 2,4-D use and increased risk of soft tissue sarcoma, Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This review on 2,4-D is unique in that the approach taken was to integrate data from worker exposure studies, whole animals, metabolic and other relevant laboratory studies with the epidemiological findings to assess the extent to which there is scientific support for the hypothesis that 2,4-D exposure is associated with any increased risk of human cancer.The case-control epidemiological studies that have been the source of the cancer risk hypothesis are inconclusive. Problems in assessing exposure based on patients' memories make these studies difficult to interpret. Cohort studies of exposed workers do not generally support the specific hypothesis that 2,4-D causes cancer. Taken together, the epidemiological studies provide, at best, only weak evidence of an association between 2,4-D and the risk of cancer.Importantly, the cancer hypothesis is not supported by other data. A critical evaluation of the exposure data indicates that exposure to 2,4-D in user groups is intermittent and much lower than the doses tested chronically in long-term animal studies that have not shown evidence of tumor induction. Moreover, the structure of 2,4-D does not suggest it would be a carcinogen. 2,4-D is a simple organic acid, that is largely excreted unchanged, and there is no evidence that it is metabolized to critically reactive metabolites or accumulates in tissues. This evidence is supported by a large body of negative studies on genotoxicity, which taken together with the metabolic studies, clearly indicates that 2,4-D is highly unlikely to be a genotoxic carcinogen. Furthermore, 2,4-D has no known hormonal activity and does not induce proliferative changes in any tissue or organ, indicating that it does not possess any of the characteristics of non-genotoxic animal carcinogens. Thus the available mechanistic studies provide no plausible basis for a hypothesis of carcinogenicity.In this review, data relating to potential neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity and reproductive toxicity also were evaluated. There is no evidence that 2,4-D adversely affects the immune system and neurotoxic and reproductive effects only have been associated with high toxic doses that would not be encountered by 2,4-D users.Historical exposures to 2,4-D by user groups, particularly farmers, forestry workers and commercial applicators, would be higher than those sustained under present rigorous standards for application which involve the use of protective clothing and other measures to reduce exposure. Proposed label changes indicate that in the future exposures will be even further reduced. Viewed in this context, the available data indicate that the potential public health impact of 2,4-D, including the risk of human cancer, was negligible in the past and would be expected to be even smaller in the present and future.

Ultimate injuries: a survey.

Injuries sustained while playing Ultimate at six tournaments between 1986 and 1990 were recorded. Thigh muscle strains, ankle ligament sprains and skin abrasions/friction burns were the most frequent injuries. Factors contributing to injury include pitch state, player fitness and preparation, clothing, 'lay-out' technique, tournament organization and squad size. Reducing excessive playing time, improved preparation by the player, sensible use of protective clothing, and care with pitch selection should all lead to a reduction in the number of injuries.

Pesticide transmission in fabrics: Effect of particulate soil

Current pesticide labeling requires prudent use of protective clothing when mixing, loading, and applying pesticide chemicals. Pesticide use and human health has been the subject of several investigations where findings suggest a cause-and-effect relat ionship (Laughlin 1988). Dermal exposure to pesticides is receiving much attention since i t has been shown that dermal absorption accounts for 87% of the total human pesticide exposure (Gold et al. 1982, Maibach et al. 1971).

Contact Dermatitis in a Plant That Produces Polyvinyl Chloride Compound

A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 1988 to investigate an outbreak of dermatitis at a plant producing polyvinyl chloride compound. Twenty-two (52%) of 42 workers reported having had dermatitis during or after May 1985. When prevalence risk ratios (PR) were calculated for each of the job titles at high risk of exposure to airborne dusts and powders, only blender operators were found to have a statistically significant elevated risk of developing dermatitis at any site (PR = 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11, 7.13). Blender operators were observed to be exposed to large clouds of airborne dust consisting of powdered pigments and powdered wax. An unexpected finding was the similar but statistically nonsignificant elevation in risk for dermatitis of the lower leg and ankle among employees with high risk of exposure to airborne dusts and powders, a group that includes blender operators (PR = 2.02, 95% CI = 0.48, 8.50). (Dermatitis due to airborne agents is not commonly found on the lower legs.) Dermatitis was likely caused by exposure to airborne dusts and powders, including pigment powders and acrylic polymers that contain residual monomers. Recommendations aimed at reducing exposures and preventing dermatitis include reduction of airborne dust levels through engineering controls, showering at the end of work shifts, and use of protective clothing and skin moisturizers. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.

The NIOSH criteria for the control of hand-arm vibration syndrome in occupationally exposed workers

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a chronic progressive disorder with a latency period that may vary from a few months to many years. The development of HAVS in a population of workers depends on many interacting factors, including level of vibration produced by the tool, hours of tool use per day, environmental conditions, type and design of the tool, manner in which the tool is used, vibration spectrum produced by the tool, vibration tolerance of the worker, and the use of drugs and tobacco by the worker. Because of the complex interactions among these and other factors, the general lack of experimentally derived data, and the uncertainty associated with some vibration measurements, it is currently not possible to establish meaningful dose-response relationships. Thus it is not possible to establish a specific recommendation exposure limit (REL) that will protect workers against the development of HAVS in all occupational situations. Here, NIOSH has recommended a standard for exposure to hand-arm vibration that includes no specific exposure limit, but does include engineering controls, good work practices, use of protective clothing and equipment, worker training programs, administrative controls, and medical monitoring and surveillance.

Solvent inhalation and ‘apparent’ alcohol studies on the Lion Intoximeter 3000

Studies were carried out on two individuals who sprayed cars with paints under normal working conditions without the use of protective clothing or face masks. Measurements of 'apparent' breath alcohol levels were carried out on a Lion Intoximeter 3000 evidential breath analyser and showed no long-term post-spraying retention of solvents in the breath.

Skateboard injuries in children and adolescents

Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show an increase in skateboard injuries since 1984. This study analyzed reports of injuries in children and adolescents who use skateboards and the use of protective clothing by skateboard users. A convenience sample of 94 users, aged 6–18 years, in a metropolitan HMO was evaluated by questionnaire. Significant injuries associated with skateboard use (lacerations, unconsciousness, fractures, or other) were reported by 13% of the subjects. Frequency of skateboard use was strongly associated ( p < 0.01), with significant injury. Use of protective clothing was not associated with a lower proportion of injured users. Older adolescents reported a higher proportion of injuries than younger adolescents or children did. These findings suggest a high injury prevalence among skateboard users. Prevention strategies should be critically evaluated and should not rely solely on the use of protective clothing.

Permeation of Ethylene Oxide Through Protective Clothing Materials for Chemical Emergency Response

Abstract The manufacture and use of ethylene oxide requires the capability for emergency response teams to mitigate accidental releases of the chemical. The characteristics and hazards of ethylene oxide dictate the use of protective clothing which prevents permeation, either as a liquid or as vapor. A study was done to evaluate protective clothing materials against ethylene oxide. The study first examined published data on the chemical resistance of garment materials. Where no data were available, specific material permeation tests were done with ethylene oxide. The results of this study provided the basis for recommending two protective suit and glove materials as well as three visor materials for use. This study also illustrates an approach for identifying materials with satisfactory performance characteristics for use in emergency response situations.

Mental Health Sequelae in Disaster Workers: Prevention and Intervention

When a disaster imposed by natural forces and/or man-made actions strikes a community, the immediate response of formally designated intervention personnel rarely takes into consideration the emotional impact of their tasks. Moreover, rarely do disaster planning and training deal with the potential for injury that is inherent in rescue and recovery operations [1]. It is assumed that the general training and conditioning afforded by work experience under normal conditions will suffice to protect the worker from both the physical and the mental trauma that may be suffered at a disaster site. Normal precautions against physical injuries and their treatment are considered to be covered by the use of protective clothing and devices, safety regulations in policies and training programs, and instruction in response and first-aid procedures. The potential for physical injury and monitoring of that potential are well-established administrative issues in planning disaster relief. Only recently, however, have administrators given attention to the potential for, and occurrence of, mental trauma that may result from service at a disaster site. Much of the literature recognizes the existence of disaster-induced trauma in rescue and recovery workers (generally in anecdotal reports) and discusses the nature of the job-related stress, but without documenting its magnitude [2]. Efforts to predict and control disaster-induced trauma are severely hampered by lack of a construct for analyzing and assessing events that may adversely affect the ability to perform occupational roles. Despite the considerable body of knowledge regarding stress in the protective services (police, fire, corrections, and emergency medical technicians), there has been no reliable and valid method for directly measuring levels of stress and post-traumatic reactions in workers deployed at specific disaster sites. O'Neill and co-workers [3] have pointed out that stressors are transitory conditions present, especially during a disaster, under abnormal circumstances. Sewell [4] attempted to develop a scale of critical professional life-events experienced by law-enforcement officers in order to predict times of high potential for stress in

United Kingdom legislation affecting protective clothing for use with pesticides

Figures are estimated for the amount of pesticide sold in the UK and an estimate made of the number of people who may be occupationally exposed when the diluted products are used. The number of confirmed cases of poisoning is used to suggest that, while there seems to be good control of acute risks, there is still a need to ensure high levels of operator protection. The legislation influencing the selection and use of protective clothing is outlined.

Dermatological hazards in the electronics industry

The advent of the electronics age has resulted in the rapid growth and increasing importance of the electronics industry on a global scale. The main industrial processes are fabrication of semiconductor wafers, printed circuit boards, the assembly of semiconductor devices, printed circuit boards and the final electronic products. The process carry the risk of various work hazards, among them dermatological hazards. These include exposure to irritants and allergens during common operations such as soldering, cleaning operations, materials handling, procedures for control of static electricity and low humidity in the work environment. Even the use of protective clothing may be associated with the risk of dermatitis. In spite of the numerous dermatological hazards, the risk for work-related skin disorders among electronics workers appears to be low when compared to other industries. However, the vast size of the electronics workforce will contribute to large numbers of workers with occupational dermatoses. Occupational health personnel responsible for factories in the electronics industry should therefore be aware of the cutaneous hazards present, and how these may lead to work-related dermatoses.

Work safety in waste collection and transport

The risk of accidents in waste collection and transport in Finland was studied by safety analysis. Systematic investigations were made of different working situations and methods and the equipment for collection and transportation. In addition, use was made of statistics on the accidents that had occurred. The accident rates for waste transport vehicle drivers were three times as high as the average for industry. Several deficiencies in work safety were found in all work stages. The largest number of accidents occurred in handling waste bins with a volume of 600 1. The parts of the body injured were mostly the back, feet and arms. The number and severity of the accidents could be reduced by improving the equipment for waste collection and transport, the location of waste containers, the working methods, the instructions given to households, the occupational health services and the guidelines. The location of waste containers, bins and refuse sacks should receive attention right at the planning stage of house construction. Specific requirements should be made regarding the condition of waste collection equipment and fenced spaces for the bins and sacks. Deficiencies were also found in the ergonomics of the waste collection vehicles. The use of protective clothing should be promoted.

Work Safety in Waste Collection and Transport

The risk of accidents in waste collection and transport in Finland was studied by safety analysis. Systematic investigations were made of different working situations and methods and the equipment for collection and transportation. In addition, use was made of statistics on the accidents that had occurred. The accident rates for waste transport vehicle drivers were three times as high as the average for industry. Several deficiencies in work safety were found in all work stages. The largest number of accidents occurred in handling waste bins with a volume of 600 1. The parts of the body injured were mostly the back, feet and arms. The number and severity of the accidents could be reduced by improving the equipment for waste collection and transport, the location of waste containers, the working methods, the instructions given to households, the occupational health services and the guidelines. The location of waste containers, bins and refuse sacks should receive attention right at the planning stage of house construction. Specific requirements should be made regarding the condition of waste collection equipment and fenced spaces for the bins and sacks. Deficiencies were also found in the ergonomics of the waste collection vehicles. The use of protective clothing should be promoted.

A further evaluation of the motorcycle rider course

A more extensive evaluation than previously was made of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Motorcycle Rider Course. A questionnaire survey was completed by 913 persons who had taken the course between 1980 and 1983 in Illinois and by a control group of 500 motorcyclists who had not taken the course. Compared to the control group, those who had taken the course did not have a lower violation rate, a lower accident rate, a lower total cost of damage to accident-involved motorcycles, a significantly lower mean cost of injury treatment per accident, or a lower total cost of injury treatment. Those who had taken the course did have a lower mean cost of damage to the motorcycle per accident, suggesting that they were involved in less severe accidents. They also made more use of protective clothing. About 30% of those who had taken the course did not subsequently drive motorcycles.

Decontamination techniques for mobile response equipment used at waste sites (state-of-the-art survey)

A state-of-the-art review of facility and equipment decontamination, contamination assessment, and contamination avoidance has been conducted. This review, based on an intensive literature search and a survey of various equipment manufacturers, provides preliminary background material on the subject. The information developed here constitutes an important “head start” for those who need to establish preventive measures, decontamination plans, and procedures for response personnel and cleanup equipment used at hazardous waste sites. The study discusses various decontamination methods, such as use of solvents to wash off contaminants, use of chemical means to degrade contaminants, and use of physical means to remove contaminants. Chemical and physical testing methods designed to assess the nature of the contaminant and the quantity and extent of contamination were also investigated. Also discussed in the full report are procedures that can be used to prevent contamination of response equipment and personnel. These preventive procedures are: enclosures to prevent spread of contaminants, safety features on response equipment to prevent spills and leaks, protective coatings on response equipment surfaces, and use of protective clothing and furnishings for personnel. Three case studies were also reviewed: The Three Mile Island cleanup, the “Vulcanus” incinerator ship cleanup (dioxins and PCBs), and PCB cleanups in Binghamton, New York. The review has identified several methods that could be of value in effectively decontaminating response equipment units, such as a mobile incinerator at a reasonable cost.

Clothing and Personal Equipment Used by Fruit Growers and Workers When Handling Pesticides

Fruit growers and workers were surveyed to determine the types of protective clothing and equipment they would wear while mixing and applying Parathion and Captan; their knowledge of pesticide hazard; and the relationships between knowledge of hazard, demographic data, and clothing and equipment choices. The data indicate that the growers and workers often do not wear recommended clothing and equipment when handling pesticides. The majority of the sample would normally wear work shirts and pants for mixing and spraying either pesticide. Nearly 50 percent of the respondents would wear waterproof gloves and respirators when handling Parathion. A statistically significant relationship was found between respondents' knowledge of the relative hazard of Parathion and the use of protective clothing. Growers and workers rating Parathion as "very hazardous" would use more protective clothing and equipment than would those giving Parathion a lower rating. The results suggest that agencies with major responsibilities for training and advising growers and workers on pesticide safety should give greater emphasis to the protective gear needed for pesticides with varying toxicities.

Patterning of Objective and Subjective Responses to Heat Protective Clothing Systems Part 2 Subjective Measurements of Comfort

The criteria for selection and use of protective clothing, particularly with respect to protection from high radiant heat, are both objective and subjective. Part 2 of this study examines subjective responses to clothing. Five fabrics commonly used in protective workwear were made into overalls of identical design and evaluated by adult males in a simulated work environment. Subjective evaluations of humidity sensation in the leg microclimate at set times during the exercise/rest protocol did not differ significantly with respect to the five overalls and differed significantly among subjects only after the full exercise period had elapsed. High positive correlations were found between subjective humidity sensations and objective measurements. Subjective thermal sensations taken at three different body regions did not enable discrimination among overalls. Subjects tended to rank garments similarly. Subjective thermal sensations did not pattern objective thermal data; thus when measuring two parameters (humidity and thermal responses) subjectively and objectively, discrimination among overalls was not possible.