Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thermal and subjective comfort of various pesticide-proof clothes made from different material. Seven male adults took part in the study, conducted in a climate-chamber controlled with an ambient temperature of $30^{\circ}C$ and a relative humidity of 60%RH. The thermal and subjective responses of subjects wearing pesticide-proof clothing made of Goretex(coating treatment), polyester (water-repellent treatment), non-woven(coating) and nylon(coating) were measured. The main results were summarized as follows: (1) Change of rectal temperature and clothing microclimate were inhibited more effectively in pesticide-proof clothing made of Goretex, polyester and non-woven than nylon materials. (2) Mean skin temperature at the end of the experiment was significantly higher in subjects who wore nylon than non-woven and Goretex, and was lowest in those with pesticide-proof clothing made of polyester. (3) Change of heart rate was significantly lower in subjects with Goretex and polyester clothiing than those with non-woven, and in those with nylon, it was highest. (4) Subjective comfort was greater in subjects with Goretex, polyester and nonwoven clothing than nylon, except for thermal sensation. Thermal sensation was greater in order of polyester, Goretex, non-woven and nylon. Thus, it was concluded that pesticide-proof clothing made of Goretex, polyester and non-woven material could reduce thermal stress during the spraying of pesticides in summer.

Keywords

• pesticide proof clothing;
• protective clothing;
• pesticide;
• comfort