PROTECTIVE APPAREL MADE OF Tyvek® FOR USE IN NUCLEAR ENVIRONMENTS
The following studies were conducted by the Southwest Research Institute to rate garment materials commonly used in potentially radioactive environments. The material permeability was evaluated as to radioactive contamination in water borne contamination, tritiated water vapor and in the presence of dry particulate material.
Waterborne Contamination. Chart 1
The study on waterborne contamination evaluated several types of Tyvek® proprietary nonwoven, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and cotton fabric, both new and used. The cotton materials allowed considerable contamination to penetrate the fabric and hold more particulate contamination within the fabric than other samples. This, according to the report, "raised the surface (skin) dose rate significantly." All other fabrics performed well in preventing permeation through the material.
Dry Particulate Contamination. Chart 2
Various anticontamination materials were evaluated in the dry particulate study. These included several samples of Tyvek®, a nonwoven cellulosic fabric, along with Iaundered woven cotton, newly woven cotton, and a nonwoven cellulosic fabric. The Tyvek® allowed no radioactive particulate to penetrate, the cotton fabrics permitted a small amount of particulate penetration and the cellulosic sample passed five to six times more contamination than the cotton samples tested.
Tritiated Water Vapor. Chart 3
The study of the fabrics' ability to prevent tritiated water vapor and tritium gas penetration showed that Tychem® QC was 7.8 times better than PVC after three hours exposure and Tychem® SL was 150 times better than PVC.
When it is desired to avoid virtually all penetration of tritium, data suggests that the wearer may work three hours in Tychem® SL, as opposed to only a half hour in the other fabrics.
We believe this information is the best currently available. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. DuPont makes no guarantee of results and assumes no obligation or liability in connection with this information. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. The information set forth herein reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having the technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions at their own discretion and risk. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. Since conditions of use are outside our control, we make no warranties, express or implied, and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
WARNINGS:
(1) Garments of Tyvek®, Tychem® QC and Tychem® SL are not flame resistant and should not be used around heat, flame, sparks, or in potentially flammable or explosive environments.
(2) Garments of Tyvek®, Tychem® QC and Tychem® SL should have slip resistant or antislip materials on the outer surface of boots, shoecovers, or other garment surfaces where slippage may occur.
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