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

• NCJ Number: 193159
• Author(s): Robert S. Lindsay; Suzanne A. Procell; Frederick C. Baldauf
• Date Published: January 2001
• Length: 51 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-193158 for Executive Summary.

Annotation

This study tested four commercially available and commonly used chemical protective gloves to evaluate and assess their resistance to vapor permeation from liquid contamination by the chemical agents Mustard (HD) and Sarin (GB).

Abstract

In responding to a nuclear, biological, and chemical terrorism incident, Federal, State, and local emergency and hazardous material personnel (HAZMAT) might use personal protective equipment as an effective response to exposure to chemical and biological agents. One type of personal protective equipment used are chemical protective gloves. The Domestic Preparedness Program, under the Department of Defense conducted a test of four commercially available glove designs to evaluate and assess their capability to protect against chemical warfare (CW) agents, specifically Mustard (HD) and Sarin (GB). Swatches of material were taken from each glove design to test its permeation to both HD and GB. Testing was conducted to assess skin protection only. Test results revealed that the protective gloves were able to protect those who wore them from liquid CW agents. Breakthrough time was also assessed and should only be used to compare glove materials and not interpreted as the time a glove could be safely worn. Appendices A through G and figures