Development and Assessment of Methods for Estimating Protective Clothing Performance

摘要

Approaches for predicting the permeation resistance of chemical protective clothing polymers were assessed for accuracy and applicability to the Premanufacture Notification (PMN) review process of the U.S. EPA Office of Toxic Substances (OTS). The predictive models are based on refinements of existing theoretical approaches for estimating diffusion coefficients and solubilities from the physical properties of the solute and polymer. The solubility and diffusion coefficient estimation approaches have been combined into a mathematical model that enables prediction of permeation behavior. Examples of the model's range of applicability and its limitations are provided. Also, a critical review was performed of the applicability and reliability of test methods for measuring permeation resistance, degradation resistance, liquid immersion weight change, and chemical desorption of protective clothing materials. Recommendations are made for the development of an integrated system that OTS can use to judge the suitability of protective clothing recommendations for PMN and existing chemicals.