The presence of chemical exposure can be found in liquid, dust, gas, or vapor form. All present different protection challenges. The elements may enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and through the absorption of the skin.
From a unique polyethylene baseline barrier to a fully encapsulated Level A suit, protect against the most comprehensive gas, vapor, aerosol, liquids, and harmful contaminants.
Chemical protective garments are designed to create an impermeable barrier to chemical agents and hazardous materials. From seam structure to material durability, chemical garment construction enhances with each level of contamination protection. Fabric resistance can be tested through abrasion resistance, tensile and tear strength, puncture resistance, and flex cracking resistance.
Effective protection from hazardous workplace chemicals require an understanding of the distinction between permeation and penetration.
Penetration tests find an element – liquid, dust, or gas – and measure if this element will pass through holes or gaps in the garment fabric or construction.
Permeation levels focus on testing a “solid” barrier film at a molecular level when the molecules of the chemical pass between the molecules of the barrier polymer.