Solid-state transition of pesticide from protective clothing to skin

Frictional transition of pesticide, the transition of the pesticide due to rubbing, from protective clothing to skin was investigated by using an AATCC standard crockmeter. Two herbicides, atrazine and metolachlor, were studied together with three protective clothing materials: cotton, polyester, and polyester/cotton (65/35) blend. Pig skin, with and without hair, was used to simulate human skin for the study of pesticide transition. The effect of water and perspiration on frictional transition of pesticide was also examined. Our experiment showed that up to 38% of the pesticide could transfer from contaminated apparel to the skin through rubbing. The frictional transition of pesticide from protective clothing to other fabrics may not represent the real transition from protective clothing to skin even though protein textiles are used to imitate skin.