Elizabeth P. Easter

The efficacy of laundering Captan and Guthion® contaminated fabrics

An evaluation was made of the launder-ability of fabrics contaminated with pesticides. The variables examined were pesticide composition, fabric type, and laundry conditions. Fabric selection enabled the comparison of fabrics commonly worn by the agriculture worker, 100% cotton denim and 100% cotton chambray, and alternate fabrics Gore Tex® and Tyvek®, that have been shown to provide greater protection against pesticide penetration. Pesticide selection enabled a comparison between a dicarboximide fungicide and a organophosphorous insecticide.A chamber was designed to provide a laboratory simulation of a field spraying application and was used to contaminate the fabric samples with pesticide residues. The laundry procedure simulated one-home laundry cycle using a heavy duty liquid detergent. Three variations of washwater temperatures were used in the laundry process. Overall, the laundry process removed a relatively high percentage of pesticide residues. However, a significant difference in removal was attributed to pesticide composition, fabric type and wash temperature. Captan residue removal from cotton fabric was lower when compared to synthetic fabrics. Guthion® residues were more difficult to remove from the fabric Gore Tex®. An increase in wash temperature resulted in an increase in pesticide removal.

Protection afforded greenhouse pesticide applicators by coveralls: A field test

Applicators of chlorpyrifos, fluvalinate, and ethazol to ornamentals in a Florida greenhouse were monitored for exposure in a replicated experiment. Pesticide exposure was assessed, using pads placed inside and outside three types of protective coveralls. Potential total body accumulation rates, excluding hands, as calculated from outside pads, depended strongly upon the rate at which pesticide left the spray nozzles. When these total body rates were normalized for spray rate, the mean results, in mg-deposited/kg-sprayed, ranged from 166 to 1126, depending upon the compound applied and the application device. Overall penetration of pesticide through a disposable synthetic coverall was 3±1% for chlorpyrifos and fluvalinate, and 35±9% for ethazol. Penetration through a reusable treated twill coverall was 19±6% for chlorpyrifos, 22±13% for fluvalinate, and 38±5% for ethazol.

Field evaluation of coverall fabrics: heat stress and pesticide penetration.

The effect of wearing coveralls on the heat stress of ten professional airblast applicators of ethion to Florida citrus were studied. During the period June 21, 1988 to August 9, 1988, applicators wore protective clothing of the same design, but made of seven different fabrics. Heat stress was evaluated by measuring the mean skin temperature, oral temperature, and heart rate of pesticide applicators. Subjects also provided subjective evaluations. Seven environmental variables were also monitored. Although each fabric was replicated an average of 17 times for thermal comfort and an average of 23 times for penetration, statistical tests for differences among fabrics were usually not significant at the p<0.05 level. Observed differences among suits were statistically significant at p=0.27 for the heat stress experiment, and extended over the range p=0.003–0.500 for the penetration experiment.Lighter weight, untreated fabrics marginally ameliorated heat stress under severe environmental conditions, but they allowed more pesticide penetration.

Risk assessment of soils identified on firefighter turnout gear

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to identify the composition of soils on firefighter turnout gear and to determine the dermal exposure risks associated with the soils. Nine used Nomex hoods from the Philadelphia fire department were analyzed for the presence of trace metals and seven sets of used turnout gear were analyzed for semi-volatile organics. Turnout gear samples were removed from areas of the gear known to have high levels of dermal absorption including the collar, armpit, wrist, and crotch areas, from either the outer shell or thermal liner layers. The following compounds were detected: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalate plasticizers, and polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs). A screening risk assessment was conducted by converting the measured concentrations to an estimated dermally absorbed dose based on estimates for the permeation coefficient (Kp) and an assumed firefighting exposure scenario. Benzo(a) pyrene had the highest dermal exposure risk based on carcinogenic effects and PBDE-99 had the highest dermal exposure risk based on non-carcinogenic effects. For the metals, arsenic had the highest dermal exposure risk for the use hoods.

Price and perceived product quality: a comparison of denim jeans in three price categories

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare a set of product specifications to evaluate appearance and performance characteristics of denim jeans at three price categories, and identify any relationships between price and product quality. Design/methodology/approach This research is as a quasi-experimental laboratory study. The product specifications of jeans are identified. Next, the appearance and performance characteristics of jeans are examined initially and after one and five repeated laundering cycles. The data are analyzed within and between each price category to identify any possible relationship between price and product quality. Findings The price category of jeans does not necessarily reflect different dimensions of product quality. Although higher priced jeans had superior product specifications and visual appearance, they did not show superior performance with respect to all elements of fit, durability, and color performance when these three factors were measured through laboratory testing. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study from a research perspective include a small sample size, gender-focused sample selection. and the focus on only three retail categories. These limitations impact the generalizability of the results but could serve as a basis for similar studies. The evaluated product quality attributes were limited to intrinsic/measurable characteristics. Future studies should consider the extrinsic attributes of quality, especially as they are related to consumer’s purchasing decision. Practical implications Retailers in moderate and budget price categories can benefit from educating consumers about the quality attributes of jeans that would ultimately influence their post-purchase experience and are not necessarily related to the product’s price category. Educators can use this information to assist in teaching students about the multiple dimensions of materials and assembly choices, and how this will impact their final products as they are learning the apparel product development process. Originality/value The focus of this study on the quantification of intrinsic product attributes is unique and provides measurable data for product evaluation by consumer researchers and industry. The results of this research identify the strengths and weaknesses in the appearance and performance characteristics of jeans in different price categories, and how those may affect consumers’ purchase intention.