The mechanism of pesticide transmission through apparel fabrics: a comparison of drop and spray exposure methodologies.

The effect of exposure methods on pesticide solution transmission and mechanism was examined for three fabrics. Drop and spray methods of exposure were used. The drop method of exposure resulted in significantly higher amounts of pesticide transmission than did the spray method. Using the drop method, a lower proportion of the particles remained in the top of the test fabric indicating much had transmitted into or through the fabric. The large droplet mass and increased volume per unit area produced during drop exposure resulted in a combination of increased force and saturation, enhancing the movement of the particle through the fabric. Fabric characteristics of construction and fiber content also influenced the transmission mechanism and quantity. The twill fabric was a better barrier to transmission than the plain fabrics. The cotton fabrics prevented transmission better than the cotton/polyester fabric.