Swatch Test Results of Phase 2 Commercial Chemical Protective Gloves to Challenge by Chemical Warfare Agents: Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 193158
• Author(s): Robert S. Lindsay
• Date Published: June 2001
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command (SBCCOM)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded on 02/20/2002; see NCJ-193159 for Summary Report.

Annotation

This executive summary presents the test results of four commercially available gloves designed to protect in a chemical warfare (CW) agent environment.

Abstract

In response to nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) terrorism incidents, chemical protective gloves might be required upon entering a contaminated or potentially contaminated area. It is essential that the available commercial glove designs protect against exposure to chemical agents. As part of the Domestic Preparedness Program under the Department of Defense, four military-issue protective glove designs were tested using chemical warfare (CW) agents to assess their capability in protecting against CW agents. This report presents an overview of the test results that addressed percutaneous or skin protection only. Each glove design was examined with swatch tests, estimating the time it would take to permeate the glove with a sufficient CW agent, thereby affecting the person wearing the glove. Chemical agents used were Mustard (HD) and Sarin (GB). Test results indicated that the chemical protective glove designs would protect wearers from these liquid CW agents. The calculated breakthrough times for each CW were presented.