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Papers by Elizabeth Easter

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of the care and performance of comfort stretch knit fabrics

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists Annual International Conference and Exhibition 2005, Dec 1, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating dimensional change in home laundry

Aatcc Review the Magazine of the Textile Dyeing Printing and Finishing Industry, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluations of the care and performance of comfort-stretch knit fabrics

Research paper thumbnail of A comparison of soil repellent vs. dual action fluorocarbon finishes on cotton blends

Research paper thumbnail of Care practices for fluorocarbon treated garments: A case study

Research paper thumbnail of A reproducible method for the extraction of pesticide residues from fabrics

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1983

Research paper thumbnail of Protection afforded citrus pesticide applicators by coveralls

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1990

Four airblast applicators of the pesticides dicofol and ethion to Florida citrus were monitored f... more Four airblast applicators of the pesticides dicofol and ethion to Florida citrus were monitored for pesticide exposure with pads placed inside and outside two types of protective coveralls. Hand exposure was not assessed. Pesticide accumulated uniformly over the coveralls' outer surface at a mean rate of 55 ±6 mg/hr. The penetration of ethion through a reusable treated twill suit was 8 ±2% and through a disposable synthetic suit was 6 ±4%; corresponding values for dicofol were 4 ±1% and 1 ±0%, respectively. While these four penetration values could not be separated statistically at p<0.05, it isprobable (p<0.20) that ethion was the better penetrator, and the disposable synthetic suit the better protector against dicofol.

Research paper thumbnail of Wildland Firefighting Personal Protective Clothing Cleaning Practices in the United States

Research paper thumbnail of Disposable versus reusable medical gowns: A performance comparison

American Journal of Infection Control, 2020

Background Medical gowns are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that prevent the sprea... more Background Medical gowns are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that prevent the spread of microorganisms and bodily fluids. During surge capacity situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, reusable PPE is often recommended due to shortages. Methods This research evaluated the performance of disposable versus reusable medical gowns by assessing their ability to provide adequate protection across their expected service lifespan. Level I, II, & III gowns were tested for water resistance and hydrostatic pressure, along with other durability assessments (breaking, tear, and seam strength, pilling resistance, dimensional stability, air permeability, colorfastness, and fabric hand) per standard test methods. Data was collected at new for the disposable gowns and after 1, 25, 50, and 75 industrial launderings for the reusable gowns. Results were compared to AAMI PB70 performance specifications. Results Level I and II disposable gowns did not meet AAMI performance specifications for impact penetration water resistance. All three levels of disposable gowns also failed to meet ASTM performance requirements for breaking strength in the crosswise direction. Conclusions The adoption of reusable gowns may result in increased protection and significant cost savings due to their superior durability and sustainability when compared to disposable gowns.

Research paper thumbnail of Price and perceived product quality: a comparison of denim jeans in three price categories

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 2018

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare a set of product specifications to evaluate appea... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare a set of product specifications to evaluate appearance and performance characteristics of denim jeans at three price categories, and identify any relationships between price and product quality. Design/methodology/approach This research is as a quasi-experimental laboratory study. The product specifications of jeans are identified. Next, the appearance and performance characteristics of jeans are examined initially and after one and five repeated laundering cycles. The data are analyzed within and between each price category to identify any possible relationship between price and product quality. Findings The price category of jeans does not necessarily reflect different dimensions of product quality. Although higher priced jeans had superior product specifications and visual appearance, they did not show superior performance with respect to all elements of fit, durability, and color performance when these three factors were measured t...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of energy savings on clothes care – the interaction of new developments in appliances, additives and textiles

Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Restoration, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Risk assessment of soils identified on firefighter turnout gear

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2016

The purpose of this research was to identify the composition of soils on firefighter turnout gear... more The purpose of this research was to identify the composition of soils on firefighter turnout gear and to determine the dermal exposure risks associated with the soils. Nine used Nomex hoods from the Philadelphia fire department were analyzed for the presence of trace metals and seven sets of used turnout gear were analyzed for semi-volatile organics. Turnout gear samples were removed from areas of the gear known to have high levels of dermal absorption including the collar, armpit, wrist, and crotch areas, from either the outer shell or thermal liner layers. The following compounds were detected: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalate plasticizers, and polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs). A screening risk assessment was conducted by converting the measured concentrations to an estimated dermally absorbed dose based on estimates for the permeation coefficient (Kp) and an assumed firefighting exposure scenario. Benzo(a) pyrene had the highest dermal exposure risk based on carcinogenic effects and PBDE-99 had the highest dermal exposure risk based on non-carcinogenic effects. For the metals, arsenic had the highest dermal exposure risk for the use hoods.

Research paper thumbnail of An Analysis of the Care and Maintenance of Performance Textiles and Effects of Care on Performance

Research paper thumbnail of Durability and Aesthetic Properties of Kenaf/Cotton Blend Fabrics

Textile Research Journal, 1997

Go to AGRIS search. Textile research journal : publication of Textile Research Institute, Inc. an... more Go to AGRIS search. Textile research journal : publication of Textile Research Institute, Inc. and the Textile Foundation (Nov 1997). Durability and aesthetic properties of kenaf/cotton blend fabrics. ... Other subjects, Blended fabrics; Characteristics; Performance. Language, English. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Protective Apparel Research

ACS Symposium Series, 1985

... The first project on the removal of pesticide residues from fabrics by laundering or "pe... more ... The first project on the removal of pesticide residues from fabrics by laundering or "pesticide decontamination" was a part of a doctoral dissertation by Elizabeth Easter and is published in the March 1983 AATCC journal (4). This project was undertaken to determine if a ...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Impact of Wash Water Temperature, Detergent Type and Laundering Platform on Basic Clothing Attributes

The objective of the consumer laundry research study was to determine the impact of wash water te... more The objective of the consumer laundry research study was to determine the impact of wash water temperature, detergent type and laundering platform on basic clothing attributes. To determine the effects of top and front loading washing machines, cold and warm water wash temperatures and detergent types on home laundered garments by assessing color change, dimensional stability, pilling, moisture content and residual moisture content and stain removal. Testing was conducted on consumer loads of denim, towels, khakis, polos, and mixed consumer loads. Each load type was subjected to thirty wash and dry cycles. Evaluations of the loads were conducted prior to testing (when applicable to test method), as well as after one, five, ten, fifteen, and thirty wash and dry cycles.

Research paper thumbnail of Pesticide Protective Clothing

Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1992

In looking into future directions of "protective clothing" for pesticide users,... more In looking into future directions of "protective clothing" for pesticide users, the final EPA ruling scheduled for release in June 1992 (Smith personal communication) places the majority of its recommendations on the label. Therefore, it will be up to pesticide manufacturers to provide protective clothing information on their products labels. Research on protective clothing continues to show variations due to fabric characteristics of fiber content, fabric construction and finish. These variabilities are compounded by variation s due to pesticide formulation and pesticide chemical and are further compounded by field studies vs laboratory simulations. With hundreds of fabric variations compounded by the thousands of chemical compounds and formulation variations, the consumer cannot be expected to make proper decisions regarding protective clothing. The user of the product does not have the knowledge to select the appropriate clothing. Manufacturers must supply this information, but they must also have data to support recommendations of their clothing for pesticide protection. This shifts the responsibility for recommending adequate protective clothing, as well as the concern for product liability, to the manufacturer.

Research paper thumbnail of A Post-use Evaluation of Turnout Gear Using NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and NFPA 1851 on Selection, Care and Maintenance

Research paper thumbnail of Firefighter Turnout Gear Durability Study—Evaluation of Visibility Trim

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of fabric characteristics on pesticide penetration through selected apparel fabrics

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1989

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of the care and performance of comfort stretch knit fabrics

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists Annual International Conference and Exhibition 2005, Dec 1, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating dimensional change in home laundry

Aatcc Review the Magazine of the Textile Dyeing Printing and Finishing Industry, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluations of the care and performance of comfort-stretch knit fabrics

Research paper thumbnail of A comparison of soil repellent vs. dual action fluorocarbon finishes on cotton blends

Research paper thumbnail of Care practices for fluorocarbon treated garments: A case study

Research paper thumbnail of A reproducible method for the extraction of pesticide residues from fabrics

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1983

Research paper thumbnail of Protection afforded citrus pesticide applicators by coveralls

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1990

Four airblast applicators of the pesticides dicofol and ethion to Florida citrus were monitored f... more Four airblast applicators of the pesticides dicofol and ethion to Florida citrus were monitored for pesticide exposure with pads placed inside and outside two types of protective coveralls. Hand exposure was not assessed. Pesticide accumulated uniformly over the coveralls' outer surface at a mean rate of 55 ±6 mg/hr. The penetration of ethion through a reusable treated twill suit was 8 ±2% and through a disposable synthetic suit was 6 ±4%; corresponding values for dicofol were 4 ±1% and 1 ±0%, respectively. While these four penetration values could not be separated statistically at p<0.05, it isprobable (p<0.20) that ethion was the better penetrator, and the disposable synthetic suit the better protector against dicofol.

Research paper thumbnail of Wildland Firefighting Personal Protective Clothing Cleaning Practices in the United States

Research paper thumbnail of Disposable versus reusable medical gowns: A performance comparison

American Journal of Infection Control, 2020

Background Medical gowns are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that prevent the sprea... more Background Medical gowns are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) that prevent the spread of microorganisms and bodily fluids. During surge capacity situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, reusable PPE is often recommended due to shortages. Methods This research evaluated the performance of disposable versus reusable medical gowns by assessing their ability to provide adequate protection across their expected service lifespan. Level I, II, & III gowns were tested for water resistance and hydrostatic pressure, along with other durability assessments (breaking, tear, and seam strength, pilling resistance, dimensional stability, air permeability, colorfastness, and fabric hand) per standard test methods. Data was collected at new for the disposable gowns and after 1, 25, 50, and 75 industrial launderings for the reusable gowns. Results were compared to AAMI PB70 performance specifications. Results Level I and II disposable gowns did not meet AAMI performance specifications for impact penetration water resistance. All three levels of disposable gowns also failed to meet ASTM performance requirements for breaking strength in the crosswise direction. Conclusions The adoption of reusable gowns may result in increased protection and significant cost savings due to their superior durability and sustainability when compared to disposable gowns.

Research paper thumbnail of Price and perceived product quality: a comparison of denim jeans in three price categories

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 2018

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare a set of product specifications to evaluate appea... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare a set of product specifications to evaluate appearance and performance characteristics of denim jeans at three price categories, and identify any relationships between price and product quality. Design/methodology/approach This research is as a quasi-experimental laboratory study. The product specifications of jeans are identified. Next, the appearance and performance characteristics of jeans are examined initially and after one and five repeated laundering cycles. The data are analyzed within and between each price category to identify any possible relationship between price and product quality. Findings The price category of jeans does not necessarily reflect different dimensions of product quality. Although higher priced jeans had superior product specifications and visual appearance, they did not show superior performance with respect to all elements of fit, durability, and color performance when these three factors were measured t...

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of energy savings on clothes care – the interaction of new developments in appliances, additives and textiles

Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Restoration, 2007

Research paper thumbnail of Risk assessment of soils identified on firefighter turnout gear

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2016

The purpose of this research was to identify the composition of soils on firefighter turnout gear... more The purpose of this research was to identify the composition of soils on firefighter turnout gear and to determine the dermal exposure risks associated with the soils. Nine used Nomex hoods from the Philadelphia fire department were analyzed for the presence of trace metals and seven sets of used turnout gear were analyzed for semi-volatile organics. Turnout gear samples were removed from areas of the gear known to have high levels of dermal absorption including the collar, armpit, wrist, and crotch areas, from either the outer shell or thermal liner layers. The following compounds were detected: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phthalate plasticizers, and polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs). A screening risk assessment was conducted by converting the measured concentrations to an estimated dermally absorbed dose based on estimates for the permeation coefficient (Kp) and an assumed firefighting exposure scenario. Benzo(a) pyrene had the highest dermal exposure risk based on carcinogenic effects and PBDE-99 had the highest dermal exposure risk based on non-carcinogenic effects. For the metals, arsenic had the highest dermal exposure risk for the use hoods.

Research paper thumbnail of An Analysis of the Care and Maintenance of Performance Textiles and Effects of Care on Performance

Research paper thumbnail of Durability and Aesthetic Properties of Kenaf/Cotton Blend Fabrics

Textile Research Journal, 1997

Go to AGRIS search. Textile research journal : publication of Textile Research Institute, Inc. an... more Go to AGRIS search. Textile research journal : publication of Textile Research Institute, Inc. and the Textile Foundation (Nov 1997). Durability and aesthetic properties of kenaf/cotton blend fabrics. ... Other subjects, Blended fabrics; Characteristics; Performance. Language, English. ...

Research paper thumbnail of Protective Apparel Research

ACS Symposium Series, 1985

... The first project on the removal of pesticide residues from fabrics by laundering or "pe... more ... The first project on the removal of pesticide residues from fabrics by laundering or "pesticide decontamination" was a part of a doctoral dissertation by Elizabeth Easter and is published in the March 1983 AATCC journal (4). This project was undertaken to determine if a ...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessing the Impact of Wash Water Temperature, Detergent Type and Laundering Platform on Basic Clothing Attributes

The objective of the consumer laundry research study was to determine the impact of wash water te... more The objective of the consumer laundry research study was to determine the impact of wash water temperature, detergent type and laundering platform on basic clothing attributes. To determine the effects of top and front loading washing machines, cold and warm water wash temperatures and detergent types on home laundered garments by assessing color change, dimensional stability, pilling, moisture content and residual moisture content and stain removal. Testing was conducted on consumer loads of denim, towels, khakis, polos, and mixed consumer loads. Each load type was subjected to thirty wash and dry cycles. Evaluations of the loads were conducted prior to testing (when applicable to test method), as well as after one, five, ten, fifteen, and thirty wash and dry cycles.

Research paper thumbnail of Pesticide Protective Clothing

Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1992

In looking into future directions of "protective clothing" for pesticide users,... more In looking into future directions of "protective clothing" for pesticide users, the final EPA ruling scheduled for release in June 1992 (Smith personal communication) places the majority of its recommendations on the label. Therefore, it will be up to pesticide manufacturers to provide protective clothing information on their products labels. Research on protective clothing continues to show variations due to fabric characteristics of fiber content, fabric construction and finish. These variabilities are compounded by variation s due to pesticide formulation and pesticide chemical and are further compounded by field studies vs laboratory simulations. With hundreds of fabric variations compounded by the thousands of chemical compounds and formulation variations, the consumer cannot be expected to make proper decisions regarding protective clothing. The user of the product does not have the knowledge to select the appropriate clothing. Manufacturers must supply this information, but they must also have data to support recommendations of their clothing for pesticide protection. This shifts the responsibility for recommending adequate protective clothing, as well as the concern for product liability, to the manufacturer.

Research paper thumbnail of A Post-use Evaluation of Turnout Gear Using NFPA 1971 Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and NFPA 1851 on Selection, Care and Maintenance

Research paper thumbnail of Firefighter Turnout Gear Durability Study—Evaluation of Visibility Trim

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of fabric characteristics on pesticide penetration through selected apparel fabrics

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 1989