Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

NC170: Personal Protective Technologies for Current and Emerging Occupational and Environmental Hazards met on Thursday- Friday, August 1st and 2nd, 2013. The following officers were elected for 2013-2014; President, Juyeon Park, Colorado; Vice Pres. Huiju Park, Cornell; Secretary. Fatma Baytar, Iowa A discussion was held of meeting attendance, voting members, and collaborations with non-members. Current projects and collaborations were discussed, and future work was planned. It was decided that next year the NC170 meeting will be held in Ithaca, NY on July 31st and August 1st.

Activities and outputs: Objective 1: Examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and protective clothing, including hand, foot, and headwear MD and NY collaborated with Carol Black of Washington State University on a survey on gloves used by pesticide applicators while applying, mixing and loading pesticides. The survey was developed and piloted during pesticide applicator training workshops. An audience response system was used to receive responses from individuals attending pesticide applicator training workshops held in Washington, Michigan, Iowa, and New York. Glove preferences and information regarding perceptions of protection, comfort, dexterity, ease of donning and doffing, and availability were collected. Results of the survey show that the majority of applicators use the same type of gloves for all pesticide formulations; nitrile gloves, both reusable and disposable, are commonly used. Data from the survey will be used for selection of gloves to be tested in Objective 3. MD collaborated with Washington State University to conduct a wear study of disposable/limited use coveralls. Twelve applicators at three farms in the Yakima Valley participated in the wear study in July. Each operator wore four different disposable garments with taped seams that meet the Type 4 chemical protection requirements. The data are being analyzed. In MN two laboratory evaluations of cognitive impact of garment texture were conducted (one stationary, one mobile). Data are currently being analyzed. HI, Buffalo, and CO in collaboration with NY developed protocols to conduct focus groups to research firefighters experience and knowledge of bunker gear, headwear, footwear and gloves. Buffalo held a focus group in May 2013 at the Grand Island Fire Station with a total of 9 participants. HI held three focus-group meetings in March, May, and June 2013 at the Manoa, Kalihi, and Kaimuki Fire Stations with a total of 11 participants. CO conducted two focus group meetings in December 2012 with 20 professional firefighters. NY conducted a focus group in June 2012 with 8 participants at the Cayuga Heights Fire Station. The recordings are being transcribed and the survey answers are being compiled. A multi-state collaborative project with NY, CA, HI, and CO focused on coverall design and performance for disposable coveralls for pesticide applicators, collecting data in a multi-state wear test of disposable coveralls. CA is leading the analysis effort. Studies on the concept and principles of universal design were conducted by CO with practice design cases including maternity wear and hospital patient apparel. CO utilized a motion capture system to evaluate donning and doffing of apparel; people with physical disabilities were the participant group for this study. The study measured the participants range of motion and task completion time, and identified perceived apparel needs for the study population through a survey. Data have been compiled and analysis is underway. CA continued work on assessing preferences for and problems with disposable versus reusable medical textiles. The current study involves surveying operating room staff regarding opinions about disposable versus reusable warm-up jackets. The data have been collected and coded for subsequent analyses. CO conducted an interpretative analysis study to understand a mechanism of consumer reactions and emotional responses to negative experiences with footwear. NY collected data on firefighter glove performance and sizing from users, conducting an in depth interview with the Ithaca Fire Department PPE buyer, and a focus group meeting with a group of 11 firefighters. The data from this study, along with a literature search of glove sizing and hand anthropometrics, formed the basis for a set of design and sizing recommendations developed for a major manufacturer. OK conducted a focus group with wildland firefighters to explore comfort issues with their gear. The focus group was conducted with 8 Oklahoma firefighters immediately after their monthly training session. Data from the notes taken and the audio recording are being analyzed. Results will inform a subsequent questionnaire which will be distributed to a larger wildland firefighter community. Objective 2: Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE and protective clothing (including hand, foot, and headwear) through research and product development CO conducted an anthropometric study of feet, using 3D foot scan technology. Analysis was conducted investigating how BMI as a measure of obesity/overweight affects human foot morphology, and how the foot morphological changes by increased BMI influence footwear selection criteria and satisfaction. Six foot measurement variables (i.e., foot length, ball girth circumference, foot breadth, heel breadth, instep length, and height of top of ball girth), out of twelve variables showed significant correlations with BMI, and the changed foot shapes and size, due to increased BMI, negatively influenced a consumers footwear selection choices and satisfaction with the current footwear market. NY conducted a series of human performance tests with 12 firefighters (8 male and 4 female) to investigate firefighters mobility and body balance in different garment and boot conditions. In the test, the firefighter participants performed job-related tasks (walking, crossing over an obstacle, and stair climbing). 3D motion capture and plantar pressure sensors inside the boots were used to collect data. NY is analyzing range of motion, plantar pressure distribution, and perception of mobility and comfort data. NY developed a methodology for comparing 3D scan data of the hand and a scan of the gloved hand to establish the physical relationship between the hand and the surface of the glove Objective 3: Develop research-based performance guidelines and standards for personal protective equipment and protective clothing A collaborative project has been initiated by MD to develop methodology to measure pesticide permeation through glove materials. An MOU was signed between UMES and a university in Brazil to conduct studies to develop a standard to measure permeation of pesticides and other chemicals with low vapor pressure through glove and garment materials. New work items have been initiated for the development of performance specifications for gloves worn by pesticide applicators. Objective 4: Develop novel functionality in materials for PPE NY developed a method to immobilize Cu-BTC metal-organic framework (MOF-199) particles by enmeshing them in nonwoven polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers creating a fibrous membrane with the potential ability to remove chemical warfare agents or pesticides from solution. These membranes were shown to effectively adsorb methyl parathion, an organophosphate pesticide. Based on solubility theory and the experimental results, partitioning was determined to be the main mechanism of removal. After 2 hours, the PAN/MOF-199 membranes removed 88% more methyl parathion than the unmodified PAN membranes and 62% as much as the MOF-199 particles crystal powder. Since the MOF particles are were enmeshed in the PAN fiber mats, the MOF particles are were now in a workable and flexible substrate. MN experimented with stitched bend sensors in preliminary lab and human testing. Sensors show reliability in detecting self-intersecting and non-intersecting folds in fabric, and are currently being evaluated for the measurement of joint angles used to sense body postures and movements. In collaboration with the engineering college, MN is designing custom sensors for sleep apnea patients. A device worn on the torso will be developed as an ultimate goal of the project. The issues of integrating circuitry into textile materials, and increasing (not interfering) signal strength have been addressed. The circuitry will be applied directly on/in the textile base using the optimal method. So far multiple stitch types, using various conductive threads and a selection of potential foundation fabrics have been tested for acceptable signal strength. A protocol has been developed to interview sleep apnea patients, their caregivers/companions, technicians and clinic administrators in preparation of testing this device. MN has developed a novel tactile distance-sensing glove for firefighters, and tested it in laboratory studies. The glove can map distance information (from an ultrasonic range-sensor) producing a vibrotactile response in the glove. Laboratory testing shows that the glove is effective in detecting gaps or spaces (such as an egress or a hole/stairwell) and relative changes in distance between obstacles. CA has continued the development of chemical and biological protective clothing materials. The research team developed a novel chemical modification process of olefin polymers and a process of manufacturing thermoplastic nanofibers by using twinscrew extruders. The work was supported by a contract from Natick Soldier Center. Nanofiber coated military fabrics were prepared in this laboratory. Evaluations of the biological and chemical detoxifying functions of the nanofibrous materials revealed that these materials were effective in blocking a broad spectrum of particles but still retain air permeability and weight similar to untreated fabrics. In addition, the nanofibrous membranes possess high moisture transport properties and will contribute to thermal comfort. These nanofibrous membranes are suitable materials for uniform outer layers. CA has studied farm worker clothing in order to reduce heat stress illness in California farm workers, in work supported by the Western Center of Agricultural Health and Safety with a grant from NIOSH. So far, total heat losses of selected fabrics were evaluated and selected fabrics are being used in preparation of clothing with increased heat transfer. CA studied the effect of clothing layering sequences on the thermal performance of the system. It was discovered that there is no net effect of stacking sequence in double-layer systems. In sandwich systems, different stacking sequences with the same filling layers result in the same excess temperature; however, the stacking sequences with different filling layers show distinctive temperature distributions. The analytical predictions are confirmed by the experimental data. Short term outcomes: Approximately 100 New York pesticide handlers increased their understanding of PPE materials and the process of standardization through outreach presentations. Information on these projects has been presented and discussed in 10 presentations nationally and 8 presentations internationally 2012 Milestonesgoals met include: User input on design issues for firefighter glove and boot design, pesticide applicator glove selection, and clothing worn by operating room staff have been collected. Methods for capturing and analyzing biomechanical and anthropometric data have been developed. Data on fabric and fabric systems relating to heat transfer and detoxifying properties have been collected. New detoxifying materials have been developed. Methods of introducing advanced functionality in gloves and other products using electronic technologies have been explored, including bend and stretch sensing applications. External funding has been sought and acquired.

Barker, J., Boorady, L. M., Lee, Y-A., Lin, S-H, Cho, E., & Ashdown, S. P. (2013) Exploration of Firefighter Turnout Gear Part 1: Identifying Male Firefighter User Needs. Journal of Textile, Apparel and Technology Management, 8(1), 1-13. Barker, J., Boorady, L.M., Lin S-H., Lee, Y-A, Esponnette, B. & Ashdown, S.P. (2012). Assessing user needs and perceptions of firefighter PPE. Book chapter in Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment: 9th Volume, Emerging Issues and Technologies, Editor A. M. Shepherd, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. Barker, J.F., Boorady, L.M., & Ashdown, S.P., (2013). The Use and Function of Color in Firefighter Clothing. Book chapter in Color and Design, Editors Marilyn DeLong and Barbara Martinson, Bloomsbury Publishing, NYC, NY. Boorady, L. M., Barker, J., Lin, S-H., Lee, Y. A., Cho, E. and Ashdown, S. P. (2013). Exploration of firefighter bunker gear Part 2: Assessing the needs of the female firefighter. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, 8 (2), http://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/JTATM/article/view/3763/2273. Brasch, J., Rucker, M. & Haise, C. (2013). Medical textiles that suit the user: Predicting health care workers preference for disposable versus reusable surgical gowns. Health Marketing Quarterly, 30, 162-176. Gan, Y., Liu, Y., Ding, X., & Pan, N. (2012). Thermal sensation at index finger while applying external pressure at upper arm. Journal of Thermal Biology, 37, 502509. Gioberto, G., Coughlin, J., Bibeau, K., & Dunne, L.E. (2013). Detecting Bends and Fabric Folds using Stitched Sensors. Proc. of the International Symposium on Wearable Computers, Zurich, Switzerland. Lange, L.E., & Obendorf, S.K., (2012). Effect of Plasma Etching on Destructive Adsorption Properties of Polypropylene Fibers Containing Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles. Archive of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 62:185194. Lee, S. & Obendorf, S.K., (2012). Statistical Modeling of Water Vapor Transport through Woven Fabrics. Textile Research Journal, 82(3):211-219. Li, M., Xiao, R., & Sun, G., (2012). Preparation of Polyester Nanofibers and Nanofiber Yarns from Polyester/Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Immiscible Polymer Blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, V 124, Issue 1, 124: 2836, 2012. Lin, S. (2012). Phase Change Materials application in Clothing Design. Transactions of the Materials Research Society of Japan, 37(2), 103-106. Liu, X., Song, R., Yu, W., & Pan, N. (2012). Developing UV-Protective Cotton Fabric Based on SiOx Nanoparticles. Fibers and Polymers, 13, 489-494. Obendorf, S.K. & Spero, E.F., (2012). Destructive Adsorption for Enhanced Chemical Protection. Book chapter in ASTM Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment: 9th Volume, Emerging Issues and Technologies, editor Shepherd, A., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. Park, J. (2013). Discovering the emerging plus-size footwear market: An anthropometric approach. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 31(1), 3-16. Park, J. & Curwen, L. G. (2013). No-pain, no-gain?: Dissatisfied female consumers anecdotes with footwear products. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, 6 (1), 18-26. Petrova, A. & Ashdown, S.P. (2012). Comparison of garment sizing systems. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal 30(4), 315-329. Shaw, A. (2013). Selection of flame retardant protective clothing. Book chapter in Handbook of Flame Retardant Textiles, editor Kilinc, F.S., Publishing Series in Textiles No. 140, Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK. Shaw A. & Harned, C. P, (2013). Analysis of Personal Protective Equipment Requirements on Labels of Pesticides for Agricultural Use. Journal of Pesticide Safety Education , 15, 17-29. Song, H.K. & Ashdown, S.P. (2012). Development of Automated Custom-Made Pants Driven by Body Shape. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal 30(4), 315-329. Tian, M., Zhu, S., Qu, L., Han, G., Pan, F. & Pan, N. (2013). Effects of Layering Sequence on Thermal Response of Multilayer Fibrous Materials: Unsteady-state Cases. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 41,143-148. Woo, D.J., Hansen, N., Joo, Y.L., & Obendorf, S.K., (2012). Photocatalytic Self-Detoxification by Coaxially Electrospun Nanofiber Containing TiO2 Nanoparticles. Textile Research Journal 82(18):1920-1927. Yin, X., Chen, Q., & Pan, N. (2013). A Study and a Design Criterion for Multilayer-Structure in Perspiration Based Infrared Camouflage, Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 46, 211220. Zhao, T., Zheng, J., & Sun, G., (2012). Synthesis and applications of vegetable oil-based fluorocarbon water repellent agents on cotton fabrics. Carbohydrate Polymers 89, 193 198. Zhang, S., Li, Y., & Pan, N. (2013). Graphene based Supercapacitor fabricated by Vacuum Filtration Deposition. Journal of Power Sources, 206, 476 482. Zhang, S. & Pan, N. (2013). Supercapacitor performance of crumpled and planar graphene materials produced by hydrogen gas reduction of graphene oxide. J. Mater. Chem. A, 1, 7957-7962. Zhu, J. & Sun, G., (2012). Lipase immobilization on glutaraldehyde-activated nanofibrous membranes for improved enzyme stabilities and activities, Reactive & Functional Polymers 72, 839845. Zhu, J. & Sun, G (2012). Preparation and photo-oxidative functions of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (PE-co-MAA) nanofibrous membrane supported porphyrins. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 22, 10581-10588. Zhu, J., Bahramian, Q., Gibson, P., Schreuder-Gibson, H., & Sun, G., (2012). Chemical and biological decontamination functions of nanofibrous membranes. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 22, 8532. Presentations Carton, A. & Dunne, L.E., Tactile Distance Feedback for Firefighters: Design and Preliminary Evaluation of a Sensory Augmentation Glove, ACM SIGCHI Augmented Human Conference, Stuttgart, Germany, 2013. Chen, S. & Sun, G., High Sensitivity Ammonia Sensor Using a Hierarchical Nanofibrous Composite Membrane, Risk-Based Strategies for Managing Air Quality: A New Paradigm with Implications for Agriculture in California, Davis, CA, June, 2013. Coffman, C. Whats Happening with PPE, Cornell Greenhouse Update, NYS Agriculture Experiment Station, Geneva, NY. February 28, 2013. Coffman, C. Whats Happening with PPE, Greenhouse Update, NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY, March 6, 2013. Ghanbari, S. & Sun, G. A Fast and Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Sensor for Gaseous Methyl Iodide and Methyl Bromide, Risk-Based Strategies for Managing Air Quality: A New Paradigm with Implications for Agriculture in California, Davis, CA, June, 2013. Pan, N., Keynote Presentation, Structural Hierarchy vs. Properties in Textile Materials, Annual Conference of China Textile Academy, Shanghai, China Oct. 23 - 24, 2012. Pan, N., Keynote Presentation, Textile Materials Science  Materials Science first?, Second International Forum on Graduate Education, Tianjin, China Oct. 15 - 16, 2012. Park, J., & Curwen, L. When the shoe doesnt fit: A content analysis of female consumers negative emotions, abstract in Proceedings of the Sixty-ninth Annual Conference of the International Textile and Apparel Association, International Textile and Apparel Association, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2012. Park, J., Sarkar, A., & Cozza, M., Development of hospital patient apparel with enhanced functional, expressive, and aesthetic attributes, abstract in Proceedings of the Sixty-ninth Annual Conference of the International Textile and Apparel Association, International Textile and Apparel Association, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2012. Shaw, A., Chemical Protective Gloves for Pesticide Handlers, 17th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, Jacksonville, Florida, April 2013 (poster presentation). Shaw, A. & Black, C., PPE Required during Overhead Spraying in Orchards, Suprofruit 2013, Valencia, Spain, June 2013. Sun, G., Biocidal Textiles for Preventions of MRSA and Super Bug Transmissions, MedTex-13, Raleigh, NC, May, 2013 Sun, G., Preventions of MRSA Transmissions and Development of Biocidal Textiles, China Textile Association Annual Meeting, Shanghai, October, 2012. Sun, G., Self-decontaminating functional fabrics for protective clothing, TechTextil 2013 USA, Los Angeles, CA, March, 2013 Xiang, B., Zhu, J., & Sun, G., Halamine Chemistry and Its Applications in Chemical and Biological Protective Materials, AATCC International Conference Greenville, SC. April, 2013 Yin, X., Chen, Q., & Pan, N., A Study and a Design Criterion for Multilayer Structure in Perspiration-Based Infrared Camouflage, Fiber Society Fall Conference, Boston, November, 2012. Zhuo, J., Liu, N., & Sun, G., Textile Functional Coloration to Offer Photo-Induced Surface Functions, Fiber Society Fall Conference, Boston, November, 2012. Zhuo, J. & Sun, G., Characterization and Antimicrobial Functions of Cotton Fabrics Incorporated with Photo-active Anthraquinone Compounds, MedTex-13, Raleigh, NC, May, 2013.