Laundering decontamination

Zhou, K., M.Sc. thesis, Decontamination by Laundering of Textiles Soiled with Iprodione or Pirimicarb, University of Alberta, 1993. 

The purpose of the study was to determine effective laundering procedures for decontaminating work jelght fabrics. The effect of fiber composition, pesticide formulation, detergent type, wash temperature, wash cycle procedures, laundry additives, and pesticide concentration on pesticide residue remaining after laundering were examined. 

Once contaminated usual textile items in pesticide applicators wardrobes are difficult to decontaminate through laundering procedures currently in use. The laundering procedures reduced residues to less than one percent to as much as 20 percent of the original contamination, depending upon MeP formulation. Residues were lower after laundering when the contamination had been from encapsulated and wettable powder formulation and were greater for the emulslflable concentrate formulation. The nature of the soil, its particulate make up, or its oil-based emulsion are felt to contribute to limited... 

The effects of decontamination procedures, such as laundering, on pesticide retention and the protective capability of various fabrics need to be determined. 

The first project on the removal of pesticide residues from fabrics by laundering or "pesticide decontamination" was a part of a doctoral dissertation by Elizabeth Easter and Is published in the March 1983 AATCC journal (4). This project was undertaken to determine if a relationship does in fact exist between the removal of pesticide residues and the removal of common soil. In textiles, "soiling denotes the undesirable accumulation of oily and/or particulate materials on fabrics (6). As significant levels of pesticide residues in workers clothing have been reported by researchers, these socalled "contaminated" fabrics may also be defined as "soiled" fabrics (5, 7, 8). 

Current research at The University of Tennessee In protective apparel for pesticide applicators has Investigated decontamination, penetration and user preference for protective apparel. The decontamination studies found pesticides behaved similarly to soil removal, with oily based soils being more difficult to remove from synthetic fabrics and particulate soil being more difficult to remove from woven natural fabrics. Initial studies on the effect of fabric finishes on pesticide penetration found a fluorocarbon finish was most effective. There was, however, an Increase in penetration with Increased launderings of the finished fabric. In a survey of user preference of available garments, cost was the predominant factor affecting choice, ranking above either safety or comfort. 

MDA should never be allowed to remain on the skin. Clothing and shoes which are not impervious to MDA should not be allowed to become contaminated with MDA, and if they do, the clothing and shoes should be promptly removed and decontaminated. The clothing should be laundered to remove MDA or discarded. Once MDA penetrates shoes or other leather articles, they should not be worn again. 

Personai protective ciothing and equipment. (i) Protective clothing and equipment shall be decontaminated, cleaned, laundered, maintained or replaced as needed to maintain... 

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