ABSTRACT
The ability of protective clothing to prevent chemical contact with the body is a function of three key features: permeation, degradation, and penetration.
Permeation occurs when a contaminant contacts protective clothing material and establishes a concentration gradient. The contaminant is subsequently absorbed by the protective material and moves from the area of greater concentration (exterior surface) to the area of lesser concentration (interior surface). This movement is caused by diffusion and has been shown to be a unique feature of each different combination of protective material and chemical agent. Contact time and the contaminant concentration determine, to a great extent, the amount of permeation that can occur.
