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Minutes of Meeting NC 170 - Multi-State Project San Diego, CA, September 18-19, 2003 NC 170: Mediating Exposure To Environmental Hazards Through Textile Systems List serve address: NC170@iastate.edu NC-170 Web page: http://txnc170.human.cornell.edu/ Regional Research manual: http://www.wisc.edu/ncra/manual.html
Members in Attendance: Mastura Raheel (Illinois), Janis Stone (Iowa), Anugrah Shaw (Maryland), Ann Slocum (Michigan), Charlotte Coffman (New York), Susan Ashdown (New York), Donna Branson (Oklahoma), Margaret Rucker (California), Kay Obendorf (New York), Ajoy Sarkar (Colorado), Mary Winter (Iowa, Administrative Adviser) and Gladys Vaughn, (USDA-CSREES Representative) Members Absent: Seshadri Ramkumar (Texas), Yiqi Yang, (Nebraska) 1. Adopted agenda:Thursday, September 18th
Friday, September 19th
2. Dr. Shaw called the meeting to order. Dr. Shaw expressed appreciation to Dr. Margaret Rucker for location arrangements for the meeting in San Diego. Membership for Nebraska was discussed. They are written into the project; thus the project will be amended to omit the work by Nebraska since they were not approved for participation at the experiment station level. S. S. Ramkumar, Texas Tech will continue to participate with the NC 170 in proposal development; however, he does not have federal formula funds to support efforts with this technical committee. 3. There will be a reception to honor three retiring members of this technical committee: Jan Stone, Ann Slocum, and Mary Winter (administrative advisor) at 5 pm today hosted by New York. 4. Comments by CSREES representative Dr. Gladys Vaughn. She called our attention to changes in review of projects and that we should be aware of these. She will send this to the membership by e-mail. New Uses for Textile Products, Southern Regional Research S1002, and our project, NC 170, relate to homeland security. The issue is how the two technical committees can engage in discussion of research related to providing homeland security. Innovation grants up to $25,000 are available through CSREES. Dr. Vaughn is willing to write such a proposal to focus on homeland security. The focus of the grant could be a joint meeting of the two technical committees to develop a research agenda to address issues of homeland security. Dr. Shaw suggested that ASTM F23 might also be involved in this discussion. Dr. Stone suggested a list serve that included both groups and also a web site link. The group endorsed Dr. Vaughn moving ahead with such a proposal for joint efforts by NC 170 and S1002. Dr. Vaughn noted that we should be aware of the following: Sheryl Orpos in planning and evaluation is working on identifying outcomes of federally funded research. There is a Western Regional Coordinating Committee that will be meeting. Dr. Vaughn is working with this group also. 5. Dr. Winter, Administrative Adviser discussed the long research history to address protective clothing related to currently important issues at the national level including homeland security such as clothing for first responders. Dr. Daryl Lund has requested a statement of Impact and Research Needs in support of overall themes supporting the ESCOP FY05 budget requests for USDA/CSREES by October 31, 2003. 6. Election of Officers: Dr. Donna Branson was elected chair for next year 2003-04. Dr. Margaret Rucker was elected secretary for the next year 2003-04. 7. The date of the next Annual Meeting will be August 5-6, 2004. Alternate date is September 23-24, 2004. The location of the Annual Meeting will be Denver, CO. Dr. Ajoy Sarkar will handle the local arrangements for this meeting. 8. NC 170 was selected to develop an impact and research needs statement in support of the ESCOP request for the FY05 federal budget under the theme area of HOMELAND SECURITY. These statements are 1-2 pages. It is suggested that the impact and research need statement follow a consistent outline: theme, resolution. Donna Branson will take the lead in developing this statement with assistance from Susan Ashdown, Seshadri S. Ramkumar, and Kay Obendorf. The impact and research needs statement is due to Daryl Lund by October 31, 2003. 9. State project reports were given, based on previously e-mailed reports. Researchers pointed out work completed, in process, and/or planned cooperatively with other agencies. Summary of state reports are in the Appendix. 10. New York continues to maintain the NC-170 Regional Research website on a server in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. Website hits total 1127 with the greatest number in May and the fewest number in November. Browsers MSIE 5, MSIE 6 and Netscape 4 account for 90 percent of the traffic. Search engines used are MSN (46 %), Google (28%), Yahoo (22%), and AltaVista (2%). The most common queries are ìprotective clothing research,î ìpersonal protective clothing,î and ìNC-170.î 11. All members were asked to send updated information for the ìMembersî section as well as updated publication lists (not to exceed 12 entries) of their most recent or significant publications related to the project. 11. Objective group meeting occurred for the planning of work for the following year. 12. The impact and needs document being developed was reviewed. An additional idea is to evaluate training methods such as use of electronic training. There is one omission in the draft is what has been accomplished by NC 170 this past year. More help is requested on where new research is needed. What research could we conduct? What could we do with addition research funding? Mass decontamination of contaminated population and environment? What should the standard practices be for first responders and their equipment? (Selection, donning/doffing, proper use, decontamination, use life, disposal, cost implications) Organize around the three ideas: (1) Materials and PPE development, (2) policy and practice [selection, use, care, decontamination, best management practices including cost/benefit, outreach and education (reach decision makers and leaders of first responders)], (3) training and evaluation. Look at problem from a holistic view. 13. Objective 1 met to review the work of this project proposal. We need to contact Yiqi Yang (Nebraska) about involvement and other issues related to proposed work. During the next year we will expand the database to include UPF values and thermal resistance (hot plate method) for a subset of fabrics. Initial contact with agricultural units will be made to develop the activities matrix. Based upon the needs and availability of the different units, collaborators will be chosen for the eventual design work. 14. Objective 2 met; they will complete efforts as describe in the project proposal. There are no needed changes or revision at this time. 15. Objective 3 discussed the interlababoratory data from three NC 170 labs. When the data from the two international labs are received, it will be forward to the statistician. The information needed in the performance specifications was discussed. A draft will be developed and sent to technical committee members for review and input. 16. Thanks were expressed to New York for leadership for retirement celebration with input from California and to Dr. Shaw for leadership as chair of the technical committee for the past year and to Dr. Obendorf for services as secretary. 17. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 am September 19, 2003 Responsible Individual(s): Appendix Abbreviated State Reports of NC-170 Committee
Objective 1: To improve protection and human factor performance of PPE through product development. Work continued on developing biocidal fabrics for medical textile products and protective clothing for first responders. A new technology to incorporate durable and rechargeable biocidal properties into Nomex fabrics has been developed. The new treatment does not affect existing fire and heat resistance of the material and has no impact on most mechanical properties. Research on chemical protective fabrics showed that biocidal halamine fabrics can be self-decontaminating. Research on thermal protective clothing involved evaluating the radiant protective performance (RPP) test equipment for screen effects; RPP values were similar under all three test conditions. Objective 2: To examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and practices. To assess selected healthcare workers' perceptions of medical textiles, including fabrics with the new biocidal finish, surveys and interviews with healthcare managers and infection control professionals have been conducted and a survey of doctors is in progress. Preliminary analysis of the healthcare administrators' data indicated that fabric, price, environmental issues, comfort, antimicrobial properties, regulations and barrier properties were all considered very important by this group (mean ratings from 1.63 to 1.95 on a 5-point scale).
Dosimetery to quantify UV radiation exposure of golfers while playing was completed in two field experiments. Clothing reduces exposure to UV radiation and the amount of reduction varies with fabric used, body site where measurement occurs and player related variables. A schema of a prototype golf shirt that would reduce exposure was developed and response to it was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. In another approach, the protection provided by golf hats was studied through the use of a body scanner and computer programs at NY. Methodological issues in measurement were addressed in both approaches. The information will be useful to designers of protective clothing and to educators. Responses to a survey on engineering controls, developed by NY, were obtained for 328 MI agricultural growers and the data have been entered at NY for analysis.
A study investigating the influence of fabric characteristics on UV transmission was conducted. The study explored the effect of specific fabric parameters such as fiber composition, fabric weight, fabric thickness, cloth cover, chemical pre-treatments and chemical finishes on the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). It was found that cotton/polyester blend fabrics offered superior protection than 100% cotton fabrics. For 100% cotton fabrics a greater thickness afforded better protection whereas for blends thickness was not a significant factor influencing UPF. Influence of fabric weight was identical in that for 100% cotton fabrics a higher fabric weight imparted good protective properties whereas for blends fabric weight was immaterial. Cloth cover as calculated by Booth's formula was an unreliable predictor of UPF. Preparatory treatments such as desizing and bleaching reduced the UPF. However, it was found that the undesirable effects of desizing and bleaching could be compensated by the presence of an optical brightening agent. An optical brightener coupled with a durable press finish provided the highest UPF rating.
Objective 1: To improve protection and human factor performance of PPE through product development. The overall objective of a Cooling Garment Study, funded by the Oklahoma City National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism (MIPT) through the Department of Homeland Security, is to develop a battery-powered, portable, personal cooling garment system for use by HAZMAT first responders wearing chemical protective level A and B gear. An academic and industry research team under OSU leadership initiated the project in April 2001. The thermal resistance and moisture management properties for over 40 candidate materials were tested resulting in the specification of a fabric. OSU developed a cooling capability test method to allow evaluation of 12îX12î liquid-cooled textile systems using a sweating guarded hot plate as a screening device prior to thermal manikin testing. One 12îX12î sample became the basis for development of a prototype vest. Focus groups with first responders provided user input into prototype development as did pressure drop testing and flow constriction studies. Two prototype vests were tested on Natickís thermal manikin and both exceeded the target cooling goal. Additional focus groups were conducted and are reported under Objective 2. A fit analysis was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Susan Ashdown using the Cornell 3D body scanner. Data analyses are ongoing. Oklahoma also assessed the thermal resistance of 4 fabrics from the NC-170 database of fabrics using a sweating guarded hot plate per ASTM F 1868. Objective 2: To examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of
PPE products and practices.
Objective 2: To examine user acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and practices. A survey at the 2002 Farm Progress Show provided a data from 1508 adults 19 years old or older. Results showed that 57% lived on a farm; 44% were male; 20% said the benefit of a suntan exceeded the health risk and 40% said they felt more attractive with a suntan. 46% said they could not avoid the sun because of their occupation; 88% agreed that sunburn in childhood increases cancer risk; 83% agreed that skin cancer increases with age. Respondents were mixed in their use of protective clothing: 46% seldom or never wore long-sleeve shirts in the sun; 62% usually or always wore sunglasses; 38% usually or always wore a hat with a brim; 27% usually or always applied sunscreen. Characteristics most preferred in sun-safe shirts were plain, light colored, cotton or cotton blend, t-shirt knit fabrics with casual style, short sleeves, and crew neck. Over 80% of respondents agreed that shirts should have labels concerning care, fiber content, finishes, colorfastness, and UPF (ultraviolet protective factor). Obviously, educational work remains to be done. A field study compared use of Gemplerô nitrile gloves with and without separate cotton jersey liners during greenhouse application of pesticides in Iowa and New York. The chemicals used most frequently in both states were Endeavor (pymetrozine), Floramite (bifenizate), Orthene (acephate) and Distance (pyriproxfen). For the more frequently used chemicals with higher toxicity, chemical analysis will determine residue levels in gloves and liners. Applicators reported that the glove liners were comfortable, but wet with perspiration by the end of application time. They said the nitrile gloves fit well, the liners did not impede dexterity and were not difficult to manage. Data from the 253 Iowa responses to the engineering control vs. PPE survey are in analysis in New York. Outreach: Table-top exhibits were developed for statewide circulation based on the 2002 Farm Progress Show display titled ìHow shady is your t-shirt?î Also, the ìIs it time to change your hat?î table-top displays were circulated and used in several counties.
Body scan data has been collected for the analysis of functional properties of sun protective hats (with MI), and the fit of cooling vests designed to be worn with level A and level B chemical protective suits (with OK). General protocols for data collection and analysis of 3D body scan data are being developed for use as a tool in the design and testing of PPE. Both subjective analysis of fit using expert panels and 3D visualizations of the data and methods of deriving objective measurements from scan data are being investigated. A project to assess the fit and design of coveralls for agricultural workers has been initiated. A wear test study of pesticide applicators' responses to lined and unlined gloves is under way (with IA). Data has also been collected for a questionnaire study of pesticide handlers' understanding of the relationship between engineering controls and PPE (with IA and MI) and is being analyzed. Outreach materials and events addressing the education of agricultural workers on PPE include posters, presentations, newsletters, workshops, and the NC-170 website. Work has also been done on assessing pesticide residues in homes and tractor cabs in NY State. NY has also participated in inter laboratory testing for the international standard being developed by MD.
Objective 3. To develop performance specifications for protective clothing materials. At Illinois, work was done on selection of challenge liquids for testing barrier efficacy of PPE materials for the development of performance specifications. … Also, work was done on development of alternate methods of measuring repellency, retention, and penetration of challenge liquids and pesticides in PPE materials. … Based on the alternate method (gravimetric) developed in our laboratories, predictive models were developed to assess the barrier properties of woven and non-woven fabrics used for chemical protective clothing. … An Inter-laboratory Round Robin test, using the gravimetric method was conducted in March, 2003 in conjunction with the submission of a Draft Proposal, ISO/DIS22608 to the International Standards Organization (ISO). The participants of the Round Robin test were the laboratories of Illinois, Maryland, New York, Spain, and India.
The Draft for International Standards ISO DIS 22608 has been approved with no negatives. Comments obtained from member countries were used to revise the document and submit it for Final Draft for International Standards (FDIS) ballot. FDIS is the final stage of the approval process. The ISO DIS 22608 was used for the ISO inter-laboratory study that is currently being conducted. Three NC-170 member laboratories and two laboratories from other countries have completed tests. ASTM F23 Committee on Protective Clothing has approved the development of ìPerformance Specifications for Work and Protective Garments for Agricultural Pesticide Workersî as a new activity. A. Shaw will be serving as the task group chair.
Ramkumar, S.S., Wood, D.J., Fox, K., and Harlock, S.C. Developing a Polymeric Human Finger Sensor to Study the Frictional Properties of Textiles Part I: Artificial Finger Development, Textile Res. J., 73:469-473 (2003). Ramkumar, S.S., Wood, D.J., Fox, K., and Harlock, S.C. Developing a Polymeric Human Finger Sensor to Study the Frictional Properties of Textiles Part II: Experimental Results, Textile Res. J., 73:606-610 (2003). Ramkumar, S.S., Shastri, L., Tock, R.W., Shelly, D.C., Smith, M.L., and Padmanabhan, S., Experimental Study of the Frictional Properties of Friction Spun Yarns, J. Appl. Polym. Sci, 88:2450-2054 (2003). Ramkumar, S. S. Frictional Characterization of Enzyme-Treated Fabrics, AATCC Review, 2 (10):24-27 (2002). Ramkumar, S.S. and Roedel, C., Study of Needle Penetration Speeds on Frictional Properties of Nonwoven Webs: A New Approach, J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 89: 3626-3631 (2003). Roedel, C. and Ramkumar, S.S., Surface and Mechanical Property Measurements of H1 Technology Needle-Punched Nonwovens, Textile Res. J., 73:381-385 (2003)
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