Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Available at http://txnc170.human.cornell.edu/minutes.html

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND IMPACTS:
Major accomplishments during the five-year funding period that ended on September 30, 2002 have been summarized by objectives and sub-objectives.

Objective 1: To assess the viability of various textile systems for hand and body protection for selected occupations.

A. Statistical Model
During the five years, a large body of data was generated regarding characteristics of textiles and polymeric glove materials that determine their barrier efficacy against liquid pesticide formulations. Predictive statistical models were developed to estimate pesticide penetration through woven and nonwoven fabrics used as chemical-protective clothing for pesticide applicators. An internet-based interactive database has also been developed.

B. Design and Human Factors
Researchers and Extension Specialists collected data regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of youth, teens, and their parents on sun protection. Survey responses and research literature was used to develop a website targeted towards youth to disseminate information on sun protection. More technical information for adults on ultraviolet protection from clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen were linked to the youth web site. In addition, two surveys were conducted to increase understanding of the users attitudes and current practices with respect to sun safety. The surveys of adults identify information that needs to be included in educational material and provide guidance for targeting the material to more specific age, gender, or ethnic groups. The data collected will be used to develop educational materials to promoting reduction of ultraviolet exposure.

A battery-powered, portable personal cooling garment system for use by HAZMAT first responders to terrorist threat is being developed as part an Oklahoma City National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) project. Thermal and moisture transport and other physical properties of potential garment are being measured

C. Outreach Research findings and developments in the protective clothing industry were incorporated into development of educational materials and programs on the selection, use, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (including sun protection). PPE programs targeted agricultural workers, pesticide handlers, their families, educators, and a select public interested in health and safety issues. In addition, research and extension efforts have provided information on children‘s exposure to pesticides that is not only useful for parents but can potentially link our work with community-based organizations such as schools, planning boards, and childcare agencies. A website was developed to serve as a communication avenue for members, a resource for researchers, and an information source for consumers.

Objective 2: To assess the effects of environmental exposure, use, and storage conditions on functional integrity of PPE for selected occupational settings.

Effects of chemicals, sunlight and temperature on barrier properties and structural integrity of protective gloves were measured. A new film was developed from zein in 2000. Since zein is a highly hydrophobic and biodegradable material, its feasibility as a barrier textile covering was explored. Plasticizers such as oleic acid were incorporated in the polymer to increase the flexibility of zein films that could be used as splash protective clothing. Illinois also assessed the useful life of protective clothing during 2001. Information was generated to understand the barrier potential, physical integrity, and useful life of various protective clothing systems.

Objective 3: To evaluate policies, regulations, and practices for environmentally sound disposal of PPE.

Regulations, ordinances and state and federal legislation regarding selection, use and disposal of PPE for lawn care applicators were reviewed in two states. A survey instrument was developed and mailed to collect data from lawn care businesses. The results of the data indicate a number of problems, some of which are complex and difficult to address.

Outcomes and Potential Impacts
Responses indicate a variety of problems. Educational material can be prepared to address inappropriate clothing use or disposal methods. However, lack of education is not the only problem. Survey respondents expressed concerns about getting employees to use PPE consistently and to use it properly. If PPE is not comfortable or convenient to use, employees tend to ignore policies and regulations. This indicates the need for continued work to develop PPE that is both protective and comfortable to increase compliance. Furthermore, lack of enforcement or out-of-date lists of chemically sensitive persons indicate problems within the regulatory system.


Objective 4: To propose standard methodology for industry-wide consensus standards for chemical protective clothing.

A test method draft was submitted to The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in 1999 for consideration as an ASTM standard. Inter-laboratory tests were conducted to refine the test procedure. The initiative led by this research project resulted in the approval of ASTM F213-01 entitled Standard Method for Measuring Repellency, Retention, and Penetration of Liquid Pesticide Formulation through Protective Clothing Materials.

Studies were conducted in collaboration with institutions in Germany and Spain to compare three test methods used to measure the penetration of pesticides in Europe and the United States. A test method draft was submitted to the International Standards Organization for consideration as an ISO standard. It was approved as working draft ISO 22608. The draft was revised to include a simpler, gravimetric method for analysis, as well as comments submitted by member countries as part of the ISO balloting process. The revised draft has been submitted for balloting as a standard.

Guo, C., Stone, J., Stahr, H.M., and Shelley, M., Cleanup of gloves contaminated with
granular terbufos and tefluthrin. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 42, 383-388,2002,

Lee, S., Obendorf, S. K., A Statistical Model to Predict Pesticide Penetration through Nonwoven Chemical Protective Fabrics. Textile Research Journal. 71:1000-1009, 2001.

Lemley, A., Hedge, A., Obendorf, S. K., Hong, S., Kim, J., Muss, T.M. and Varner, C. J., Selected Pesticide Residues in House Dust from Farmers Homes in Central New York State. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 69:155-163, 2002.

Raheel, M. and Dai, G. X., Viability of Textile Systems for Hand and Body Protection: Effects of Chemical Interaction, Wear, and Storage Conditions. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 69: (2), 164-172, 2002.

Shaw, A., Cohen E., Hinz T., and Herzig, B., Laboratory Test Methods to Measure Repellency, Retention and Penetration of Liquid Pesticides through Protective Clothing: Part I Comparison of Three Test Methods, Textile Research Journal, 71:879-884, 2001.

Stone, J. F., Lee, S-E., Kim, J., and Kwon, Y-A., The Relationships of Age to Sun Safety ttitude
and Practices. Easytex 2002, Proceedings of the First International Conference on Clothing and
Textiles for Disabled and Elderly People, Tampere, Finland.June 16-18, 2002.

Stone, J., Lee, S-E., Kim, J., and Choi, Y.J., Clothing Choices for Ultraviolet Protection. Easytex 2002, Proceedings of the First International Conference on Clothing and Textiles for Disabled and Elderly People, Tampere, Finland, June 16-18, 2002.

Sun Y., and Sun, G., Durable and Regenerable Antimicrobial Textile Materials Prepared by a Continuous Grafting Process. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 84(8), 2002, 1592-1599.