Protective clothing, effectiveness

E- T. L. Vigo, Protective Clothing Effective Against Biohazards in Protective Clothing Systems and Matoials, M Raheel (ed.), Marcel Ddcker, New Ycvk, 225-243,1994. 

This provides a durable finish which, unlike many other flame retardants, can withstand repeated (50—100) launderiags without a loss of efficiency. An added advantage is that the feel of the cloth (hand) is Htde effected. Principal markets are ia the treatment of iadustrial protective clothing, military uniforms, and, ia Europe, for furnishings. These products are available from Albright Wilson Ltd. and Cytec Industries Inc. 

The use of chemical agents in battie imposes a significant burden on troops because of the cumbersome nature of the protective clothing and the attendant heat load in hot climate situations. This factor alone imposes a burden on potential target personnel, lowering their effectiveness. U.S. troops in the 1991 Mideast war Desert Storm were provided with protective gear that did not deter them with regard to the outcome of the action. 

Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment Protective clothing and chemical goggles Symptoms Following Exposure On direct contact can produce eye and skin irritation General Treatment for Exposure CONTACT WITH EYES AND SKIN wash with water for 15 min Toxicity by Inhalation No data Short-Term Exposure Limits No data Toxicity by Ingestion Grade 0 LDjo>33.3 g/kg (rat) Late Toxicity Data not available Vapor (Gas) Irritant Characteristics Data not available Liquid or Solid Irritant Characteristics Skin effects are minor Odor Threshold 0.168 ppm. 

Health Elazards - Personal Protective Equipment Self-contained breathing apparatus protective clothing if exposed to liquid. Symptoms Following Etqjosure If concentration of gas in hi enough, may cause asphyxiation. No detectable systemic effects, even at 5 % concentration in air. Treatment for Exposure Remove victim to open air. If the is overcome by gas, qjply artificial resuscitation. Toxicity by Inhalation (Threshold Limit Value) Data not available Short-Term Inhalation Limits Data not available Toxicity by Ingestion Not pertinent Late Toxicity None Vapor (Gas) Irritant Characteristics Vapors are nonirritating to the eyes and throat. Liquid or Solid Irritant Characteristics No appreciable hazard. Practically harmless to the skin because it is very volatile and evaporates quickly. May cause some frostbite. Odor Threshold Data not available. 

Health Hazards Information - Recommended Personal Protective Equipment Full protective clothing gas mask or self-contained breathing apparatus Symptoms Following Exposure Inhalation causes irritation of respiratory system, pulmonary edema, and systemic effects. Vsqrar irritates eyes. Liquid causes severe burns of eyes and severe irritation or burns of mouth and stomach General Treatment... 

OXAZOLIDINEDIONES. Drowsiness is the most common adverse reaction and, as with the other anticonvulsants, tends to subside with continued use Visual disturbances may also occur. The patient with a visual disturbance is assisted with ambulation and oriented carefully to the environment. The nurse ensures that the environment is safe The patient may be especially sensitive to bright lights and may want the room light to be kept dim. Because photosensitivity can occur, the nurse must keep the patient out of the sun. The nurse instructs the patient to use sunscreens and protective clothing until the individual effects of the drug are known. 

In conclusion, based on biological monitoring data, the overall effectiveness of protective clothing is limited. Overestimation of the reduction of exposure is possible when data on the reduction of external exposure are utilized. 

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