In the last three decades, different test methods have been used to assess the level of protection provided by various textile materials against liquid pesticide penetration. Of these, the ISO 6350/EN368 gutter test is currently used to screen garment materials for certification of type 6 personal protective equipment (PPE) in Europe. The atomizer test method developed in Germany is used to evaluate the performance of PPE marketed there. In addition, a pipette method is being proposed as an American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) test method in the United States. This study compares the three test methods and determines the suitability of these methods for screening protective clothing materials against liquid pesticides. Six fabrics selected to represent the woven and nonwoven fabrics used while handling and spraying pesticides are contaminated with dilute pesticide formulations following the three test methods. Repellency, pesticide retention, and penetration characteristics of the test materials are measured. The results indicate that the evaluation of fabric performance is affected by the test method.
A systematic approach was taken to develop a database for protective clothing for pesticide operators; results are reported as a two-part series. Part I describes the research studies that led to identification of a pesticide formulation that could serve as a reference test chemical for further testing. Measurement of pesticide penetration was conducted using different types of pesticide formulations. Six fabrics were tested using 10 formulations at different concentrations. Three formulations were subsequently selected for further testing. Analysis of the data indicated that, when compared with other formulations, mean percent penetration of 5% Prowl 3.3 EC [emulsifiable concentrate diluted to 5% active ingredient (pendimethalin)] is either similar to or higher than most test chemicals. Those results led to choosing 5% Prowl 3.3 EC as a reference test liquid. Part II of the study, published as a separate paper, includes data on a wide range of textile materials.
Development of objective measurements is an important requirement for establishing performance-based standards for protective clothing used while handling pesticide. This study, the second in a two-part series, reports on the work completed to evaluate the performance of approximately 100 fabrics that are either used or have the potential to be used for garments worn by operators while applying pesticides. Part I, published separately, provides an overview of these issues and describes research undertaken to select a test chemical for use in subsequent studies. The goals of this study were first to develop a comprehensive approach to evaluate the performance of garments currently being used by pesticide operators, and second, to use the laboratory and field data in the development of performance specifications.
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