Snapshot

Chemical Protective Clothing (CPC) is used for protection from chemical and physical hazards. The chemicals get absorbed into the human body in two ways:

• Physical contact-The chemicals get absorbed through the skin
• Inhalation: The chemicals in the gaseous state get absorbed into the body through breathing.

Chemical protective clothing is used for protection of the whole body against toxic chemicals which manifest their effect by absorption through the skin.

CPC suits can be classified into two categories:

a. Durable: The durable Chemical protective clothing is made of non-permeable textile fabrics (PVC/Rubber coated fabrics).The protection is achieved by blocking the penetration and permeation of the chemicals through the fabrics in the clothing. This is an effective method for providing sufficient protection to professionals from contact with toxic chemicals. These fabrics do not allow air or moisture permeability which leads to stress and drop in productivity.

b. Disposable: The disposable Chemical protective clothing (CPC) is made of non woven fabric and can be used for 3-4 times. The disposable CPC provide better air and moisture permeability. Permeable type of clothing is preferred over impermeable type due to low heat stress and comfort, enabling use for a longer duration. The carbon-containing material developed so far includes carbon-coated non-woven fabric, carbon-impregnated polyurethane foam, hard carbon microsphere-adhered woven fabric, and activated charcoal cloth.

The non-woven fabrics are also used as overalls in various industries and the demand for such products is picking up. The CPC clothing includes gas masks, hoods, etc to prevent airborne toxic agents.