Abstract
Cotton is a standard washable fabric for garments and is preferred for workclothing. Agricultural workers' clothing may become contaminated with pesticides. Among other factors, the rate of pesticide solution penetration and transport from the garment to the underlayers, such as undergarments or skin, depends on fabric geometry. In 100% cotton fabrics, the ease of wettability as measured by the drop absorbency rate is higher in fabrics with large interfiber and interyarn capillaries, while the level and rate of wicking is higher in fabrics with smaller interfiber and interyarn capillary radii, due to fine, highly twisted yarns and dense weave. The implication of these results is that contrary to the U.S. Federal Register specifications for closely woven fabrics as body covering for pesticide applicators, a tightly woven fabric may transport pesticide solution to the undergarments or skin more rapidly and to a greater extent, due to a wicking action.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
AATCC Tech Manual (1983) Absorbency of bleached woven cloth. 58:191
-(1983) Colorfastness to washing. 58:179–180
ASTM Standards (1983) Breaking load and elongation. 07.01:348–355
DuPont Technical Information (1966) Resistance of fibers to organic chemicals. Multifiber Bull X-215:3–15
Federal Register (1974) 39:16888–16891
Kawar, NW, Gunther FA, Serat WR, Iwata Y (1978) Penetration of soil dust through woven and nonwoven fabrics. J Environ Sci Health B13:401–415
NIOSH (1976) Criteria for a recommended standard—Occupational exposure to carbaryl, US Dept Health Education Welfare Publication No 77–107:6–8
— (1978) Criteria for recommended standard-Occupational exposure during the manufacture and formulation of pesticides, US Dept Health Education Welfare Publication No 78–174:13–16
Saunders EM, Zeronian SH (1982) An analysis of the moisture related properties of hydrolyzed polyester. J Appl Polym Sci 27:4477–4491
Washburn EW (1921) Dynamics of capillary flow. Phyl Rev Second Series 17:273–283
Wolfe HR, Armstrong JF, Durham WF (1966) Pesticide exposure from concentrate spraying. Arch Environ Health 13:340–344
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Raheel, M., Gitz, E.C. Effect of fabric geometry on resistance to pesticide penetration and degradation. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 14, 273–279 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055403
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055403