ARS | Publication request: Examination of Laundering Effects on the Bite Protection and Permethrin Content of Production Level Factory-Treated Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms (MCCUUs)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 29, 2006
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The United States Marine Corps has been working towards production level factory-treatment of their Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniforms (MCCUUs). The EPA label requirements mandate that uniforms cannot be treated with permethrin at amount that adds on more than 0.52% that of the total garment by weight. This requirement translates to application of 0.125 mg/cm2 permethrin for blouses and a slightly higher level for trousers. In addition to meeting chemical specifications, the uniforms must also meet biological efficacy requirements at the unwashed, 20x laundered and 50x laundered levels. We have developed a protocol that provided reproducible and precise measurement of the biological efficacy. As part of the validation process, uniforms must meet this biological criteria by providing 96% protection from mosquito bites at the unwashed and 20x laundered levels, and provide 90% protection at the 50x laundered level. At this meeting, we will present data for one of the four garment manufacturers that has met both the chemical and biological specifications for validation of their first article submission.