SAES-422 Multistate Research Activity Accomplishments Report

Status: Approved

Basic Information

Participants

A list of those attending can be found in the annual minutes, which are posted on the project website, http://txnc170.human.cornell.edu/minutes.html.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: To improve protection and human factor performance of PPE through product development.

A. Product Development Studies.
Five research efforts by California, Colorado, and Oklahoma were directed toward product development. Work continued by California on the development of biocidal fabrics for medical textile products for reusable and disposable surgical gowns and wraps; work on the self decontamination of halamine structures continued; and a new technology for incorporating durable and rechargeable biocidal properties into Nomex fabrics was developed. An alpha prototype personal cooling system was developed by Oklahoma and the cooling effectiveness established in thermal manikin testing at the army‘s Natick Soldier Center. The effects of fiber composition, fabric weight, fabric thickness, cloth cover, and chemical pre-treatments and finishes on the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) was determined for selected textiles by Colorado.

B. Protection Studies.
Two field experiments and a computer simulation were used to assess UV exposure to human subjects. The field experiments conducted by Michigan demonstrated that shirt-weight fabrics reduced UV exposure but heavier shirt-weight fabrics and UV specialized fabrics were more effective in reducing UV exposure. Based on the field test results, a golf shirt was designed and used as a stimulus in a questionnaire to measure attitudes toward the design using two theoretical frameworks. Variables that were predictors of sun protective behaviors, and predictors of intention to buy were identified.

Three-dimensional body scanning equipment was used by New York and Michigan to assess the effectiveness of five hat styles worn by participants assuming three body positions for playing golf for different sun angles and positions in relation to the sun. The 3-D scans were compared to images derived from digital photography to determine which methodology provided more meaningful information.

C. Human Factor Studies.
Four human factor studies were undertaken during the year. New York continued to work on the development of methodologies for using the 3-D body scanner as a tool for fit and design analysis, and initiated a literature review on the design and fit of protective coveralls. A fit analysis of two prototype cooling garments designed to be worn under chemical protective ensembles was conducted by New York and Oklahoma using a 3-D body scanner. Since conduction is the cooling transfer mechanism, a tight fitting garment regardless of body position is essential, yet, to be commercially viable, a minimum number of sizes is desirable. Seven first responders in three body positions wearing each of the prototype garments were scanned. Ongoing data analyses are expected to provide helpful information for design effectiveness and creation of a sizing system. Lastly, the thermal resistance of a subset of fabrics in the NC-170 fabric database was determined by Oklahoma using a sweating guarded hot plate for use in predicting thermal comfort associated with use of these fabrics.


Objective 2: To examine user acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and practices.

Six research projects and multiple outreach efforts were completed by Iowa, Michigan, New York and Oklahoma in support of objective 2. Four studies were focused toward pesticide exposure issues, two studies were focused on a prototype cooling system for first responders wearing PPE, and one study addressed sun exposure.

The four pesticide studies included: a glove wear test by Iowa and New York greenhouse workers; a study to determine the presence of pesticide and other environmental contaminants by flooring in 42 New York homes; a study to determine the presence of pesticides and herbicides at various locations on selected tractors and spray rigs in New York; and a questionnaire on spray equipment and protective clothing administered to pesticide applicators and employers in Iowa, New York and Michigan. A set of four focus groups was conducted by Oklahoma to ascertain perceptions of first responders in four U.S. cities regarding a prototype personal cooling system designed to be worn under level A and B chemical protection ensembles. All confirmed the need for the cooling system and they provided insightful input for the next generation prototype system. A fit study was conducted by New York and Oklahoma using New York‘s 3-D body Scanner to determine the fit of two prototype cooling garments when worn by volunteer first responders.

A survey at the 2002 Iowa Farm Progress Show yielded 1,804 responses to questions about sun practices, attitudes and clothing preferences. Outreach was accomplished by Iowa exhibits highlighting use of hats and shirts as a means of sun protection, by New York posters, seminars and workshops on pesticide safety, and by New York in maintaining the NC-170 website.

Objective 3: To develop performance specifications for protective clothing materials.

Illinois, Maryland and New York worked on the third objective. Illinois selected challenge liquids for determining barrier efficacy of PPE materials, developed alternate methods of measuring repellency, retention and penetration of the challenge liquids and pesticides, and developed predictive models for assessing barrier efficacy of woven and non-woven fabrics used for chemical protective clothing. Maryland continued work with ISO to seek approval of the draft ISO/DIS 22608. It will now be submitted for the Final Draft for International Standards ballot, the last stage in the approval process. Illinois, Maryland, New York and two laboratories from other countries participated in round robin testing in support of ISO/DIS 22608. Maryland will work with ASTM F-23 on developing performance specifications for work and protective garments for pesticide workers.

WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR
On-going studies will be completed, data analyzed and manuscripts written. Work will continue on biocidal fabrics and development of performance specifications for PPE. Thermal mannequin tests will be conducted on firefighter protective clothing with various kinds of emblems; a physiological human subject test of two prototype cooling systems will be conducted; a study examining the effect of enzymatic treatments on UV protection will be conducted; and a pilot study with existing coveralls will be conducted using the 3-D body scanner to establish protocols and methods of analysis.

Impacts

  1. Advances in research related to UV and pesticide protection, biocidal fabric development, and incorporation of human factors considerations into development of PPE have theoretical and practical impacts.
  2. The investigation and development of methodologies for using equipment in innovative ways to generate new knowledge is significant.
  3. Advancement continued on standard methods development for ISO and ASTM processes, suggesting the potential for considerable global impact for testing PPE.
  4. Outreach programs were developed and delivered in multiple states to encourage better use and care of PPE by varied audiences.

Publications

Refereed Publications

Haise, C. L., & Rucker, M. (2003). The Flight Attendant Uniform: Effects of Selected Variables on Flight Attendant Image, Uniform Preferences and Employee Satisfaction. Social Behavior and Personality, 31 (6), 565-576.

Jain, R. & Raheel, M. (2003). Barrier Efficacy of Woven and Non-woven Fabrics Used for Protective Clothing: Predictive Models. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology, 71: (3), 437-446.

Kline, A. A., Landers, A. J., Hedge, A., Lemley, A.T., Obendorf, S.K., & Dokuchayeva, T. (2003). Pesticide Exposure Levels on Surfaces within Sprayer Cabs. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 19(4):397-404.

Krenzer, G., Starr, C., & Branson, D. Development of a Sports Bra Prototype.
Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, (in press).

Loker, S., Cowie, L.S. & Ashdown, S. Female Consumers‘ Reactions to Body Scanning. Clothing and Textile Research Journal, (in press).

Lukas, D. & Pan, N. (2003). Wetting of a Fiber Bundle in Fibrous Structures. Polymer Composites, 24, 314-322.

Obendorf, S. K., Csiszar, E., Maneefuangfoo, D., & Borsa, J. (2003). Kinetic Study of Transport of Pesticide from Contaminated Fabric Through a Model Skin. Archive of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 45(2): 283-288.

Ma, M., Sun, Y., & Sun, G. (2003). Antimicrobial Cationic Dyes: Part 1: Synthesis and Characterization. Dyes and Pigments, 58, 27-35.

Qian, L. & Sun, G. (2003). Durable and Regenerable Antimicrobial Textiles: Synthesis and Applications of 3-methylog-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-imidazolidin-4-one (MTMIO). Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 89, 2418-2425.

Stone, J., Kim, J., Branson, D., & Peksoz, S. An Exploratory Wear Study of Experimental Sun Hat Designs. Korean Society for Clothing Industry (English Edition). (in press).

Sun, Y. & Sun, G. (2003). Novel Refreshable N-Halamine Polymeric Biocides: Grafting Hydantoin-Containing Monomers onto High-Performance Fibers by a Continuous Process. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 88, 1032-1039.

Zhang, X. & Raheel, M. (2003). Statistical Model for Predicting Pesticide Penetration in Woven Fabrics Used for Chemical Protective Clothing. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology. 70: (4), 652-659.

Proceedings

Hedge, A, Kline, A.A., Lemley, A.T., Obendorf, S.K. Dokuchayeva, T., & Gaskins, V. "Contaminants in Floor Dust, Indoor Air 2002". The 9th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality and Climate, International Academy of Indoor Air Science, Monterey, CA (2002), p. 998-1003.

Zhang, X. & Raheel, M. "Predicting Pesticide Penetration in Woven Fabrics Used for Chemical Protective Clothing". Proceedings of the 2nd European Conference on Protective Clothing (ECPC) and NOKOBETEF 7. Montreux, Switzerland, May 21-24, 2003.


Theses/Dissertations

Jain, R. S. Barrier Efficacy of Woven and Non-woven Fabrics Used for Protective Clothing: Predictive Models. M.S. Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, May, 2003.

Sung, H. . Golfers‘ UV Exposure, Health Beliefs and Practices, and Intention to Adopt UV Protective Clothing. Unpublished Dissertation. Michigan State University, 2003.

Non-Refereed Publications
Extension Publications

Breen, N. Carpet Vacuuming & Cleaning, Textiles & Apparel News, Cornell University,
November 2002.

Coffman, C. Pesticide Safety Educational Materials, Textiles & Apparel News, Cornell
University, September 2003.

Coffman, C. Insect-repellent Apparel, Textiles & Apparel News, Cornell University, September
2003.

Coffman, C. The Phthalate Question, Textiles & Apparel News, Cornell University, June 2003.

Coffman, C. Shelter from the Sun, Textiles & Apparel News, Cornell University, June 2003.

Coffman, C. CCA-Treatment of Wood Discontinued, Textiles & Apparel News, Cornell
University, April 2003.

Coffman, C. Useful Resources on Pesticide Topics, Textiles & Apparel News, Cornell
University, February 2003.

Stone, J. Is it time to change your hat? Pm-1683 Revised. Iowa State University, Ames, IA
50011. July 2003.

Stone, J. Consumer Choices: Understanding Apparel and Furnishings Textiles, Pm-734 Revised.
Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, 2003.

Stone, J. Consumer Choices: Using Textile Labels, Pm-733 Revised. Iowa State University,
Ames, IA 50011, 2003.

Stone, J. Consumer Choices: How to Complain and Get Results, Pm-716, Revised. Iowa State
University, Ames, IA 50011, 2003.

Stone, J. & Kadolph. S. Facts about Fabric Flammability, NCR-174, Revised. Iowa State
University, Ames, IA 50011. July 2003.

Audio-Visual Publications

Stone, J., Heer, R., Abbott, B. (2003) "How shady is your t-shirt?" Table Top Educational
Exhibit.

Internet

Occupational Safety and Protective Clothing, http://txnc170.cornell.edu/
Personal Pesticide Protection, http://www.humec.cornell.edu/units/txa/extension/pest/
Body Scanning for Apparel, www.explore.cornell.edu/bodyscanner
Sizing and Fit of Apparel,
http://www.human.cornell.edu/txa/faculty/SizingSystems/index_flash.html

Media Coverage

Gardy, Rebecca, The Shape of Things to Come, American Demographics, July/August 2003.

Refereed Presentations

Ashdown, S.P., Loker, S., and Adelson, C. "Use of Body Scan Data to Design Sizing Systems
Based on Target Markets" (poster), National Textile Center Forum, February 10-12, 2003.

Branson, D.H., Farr, C.A. and Cao, H. "Development of a Prototype Personal Cooling System
for First Responders in Level A Gear." INFire Annual Conference, Impact of Terrorism in the
Information Age, Oklahoma City, OK, May 2003.

Cao, H., Branson, D., Nam, J., Jansen, B., Peksoz, S., and Farr, C. "Liquid Cooling Garments: A
Study of Water Flow Rate." International Textiles & Apparel Association Annual Conference,
Savannah, GA., November 2003.

Coffman, C. "Reducing the Risk of Operator Contamination from Pesticides." Poster Session,
Galaxy II Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, September 2003.

Coffman, C. "Pesticide Residues and other Allergens in Homes." Poster Session, Association
of Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators 2002 Conference, Ithaca, NY, October, 2002.

Coffman, C. "Reducing the Risk of Operator Contamination form Pesticides." Poster Session,
Association of Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators 2002 Conference, Ithaca, NY, October,
2002.

Lee, Young-A, Ashdown, S., & Slocum, A.C. "Evaluation of Sun overage of Protective Hats
for Golfers; Using Three-Dimensional Body Scan Data." International Textile & Apparel
Association Annual Conference, November 2003.

Obendorf, K., Csiszar, E., Maneefuangfoo, D., & Borsa, J. "M01-CR02 Improving the
Understanding and Acceptance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Kinetic Transport of
Pesticide from Contaminated Fabric Through a Model Skin" (poster), National Textile Center
Forum, February 10-12, 2003.

Sarkar, A.K., "Influence of Fabric Characteristics on UV Transmission." AATCC International
Conference & Exhibition, Charlotte, NC, 2002.

Shaw, A. & Abbi, R. "Comparison of Gravimetric & Gas Chromatographic Methods for
Assessing Performance of Textile Materials against liquid Pesticides." 2nd European Conference
on Protective Clothing (ECPC), Montreux, Switzerland, May 21-24, 2003.

Song, K. & Stone, J. "Consumer Preferences for Design Features of Sun-Safe Shirts."
International Textile & Apparel Association Annual Conference, November 2003.

Sung, Heewon, Slocum, A.C. "UV Radiation Exposure to Body Sites of Golfers and Effects of
Clothing." International Textile & Apparel Association Annual Conference, November 2003.

Zhang, X. & Raheel, M. "Predicting Pesticide Penetration in Woven Fabrics Used for Chemical
Protective Clothing." 2nd European Conference on Protective Clothing (ECPC) and
NOKOBETEF 7, Montreux, Switzerland, May 21-24, 2003, #24.

Non-Refereed Presentations

Coffman, C. "Pesticide Residues in the Home," Pesticide Update, Fishkill, N.Y. March 2003.

Coffman, C. "Interpreting Personal Protective Equipment Label Statements, PPE: Selection,
Use, and Maintenance, Can Engineering Controls Replace PPE, and Pesticide Residues in NY
Homes." Greenhouse Workforce Training, Hamden, NY. December 2003.
Log Out ?

Are you sure you want to log out?

Press No if you want to continue work. Press Yes to logout current user.

Report a Bug
Report a Bug

Describe your bug clearly, including the steps you used to create it.