A Comparison of Physiological Responses to Two Types of Particle Barrier, Vapor Permeable Clothing Ensembles

• Published in: American Industrial Hygiene Association journal 1999-07, Vol.60 (4), p.495-501
• Main Authors: Reneau, Paul D., Bishop, Philip A., Ashley, Candi D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Applied physiology; Biological and medical sciences; body temperature; Body Temperature - physiology; chemical protective clothing; Comparative analysis; Cooling; Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology; Exercise - physiology; Exercise Test; Gloves; Heat; Homeostasis; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Occupational Exposure - prevention & control; Occupational safety; particle barrier; Permeability; Physiology; Polyethylene; Productivity; Protective clothing; Protective Clothing - standards; Reference Values; Studies; Sweating - physiology; Temperature; vapor permeable fabric; Workers
• ISSN: 0002-8894; 2163-369X
• DOI: 10.1080/00028899908984470

Chemical protective clothing (PC) use while working results in elevated rectal temperatures (Tre) that limit work time. Particle barrier, vapor permeable (PBVP) PCs allow workers to cool themselves by evaporating some sweat. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects on worker productivity of two types of PBVP suits, a Kleenguard® (PPPC) (Kimberly Clark), and a Tyvek® (PEPC) (DuPont) suit. Fifteen males in a repeated measures design performed four work tests consisting of a walk/arm curl combination at a time-weighted work rate of 1.0 L/min (300 kcal/hr), two in a wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) of 26°C and two in a WBGT of 18°C, with subjects wearing each suit once in each environment. No significant difference (p>.05) was observed between the suits at 18°C WBGT, but a significant difference was found (p