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Author
White, M. K. | Hodous, T. K.
Title
Physiological Responses to the Wearing of Fire Fighter's Turnout Gear With Neoprene and GORE-TEX Barrier Liners.
Coporate
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV
Journal
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Vol. 49, No. 10, 523-530, October 1988
Keywords
fire fighters | protective clothing | turnout coats | physiological effects | respirators
Abstract
This study examined the physiological effects of performing moderate and high intensity work while wearing fire fighter's turnout gear with either a neoprene or GORE-TEX barrier liner. Eight healthy men, experienced with the use of respirators and protective clothing, each performed moderate and high intensity treadmill exercise in a double-blind study at 27.6 deg C while wearing complete fire fighter's turnout gear with either a neoprene or GORE-TEX barrier liner. Physiological measurements obtained included minute ventilation, heart rate, skin temperature, rectal temperature and sweat rate. Subjective evaluations of perceived exertion, comfort, clothing breathability, temperature and perspiration also were obtained. Tests were terminated when objective or subjective signs of near maximal stress were observed. Mean tolerance times for the moderate intensity exercise were 27.4 and 30.9 min, respectively, for the neoprene and GORE-TEX barrier liners and at the high intensity were 7.2 and 7.5 min, respectively. Analysis of variance indicated that significant differences caused by liner were observed in skin temperature. No significant differences caused by liner were seen in tolerance time, heart rate, sweat rate or subjective ratings. These results suggest that the physiological benefits normally attributed to vapor permeable garments are minimized when such liners are used in conjunction with fire fighter's turnout gear during sustained moderate to heavy work in a warm environment.