• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.292-302
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to evaluate thermal properties of lab gowns developed from the point of safety and work efficiency. We evaluated thermal and subjective responses of subjects wearing functional new lab gowns (Type B, C, D) and a popular lab gown on the market (Type A). Type B was a new lab gown made of woven fabric with functional cuffs. Type C was a new apron made of woven fabric with arm protectors. Type D was a new lab gown made of non-woven material with functional cuffs and openings around the armpits. Temperature in the climatic chamber was set at 19$^{\circ}$C as an indoor temperature in winter and at 24$^{\circ}$C in summer. There were no significant differences in rectal temperature and heart rate among four types of gowns and between two air temperatures for 120 min. Mean skin temperature was much higher in the type A and B than in He type C and D (p .05). In the 19$^{\circ}$C air, clothing microclimate temperature on the back was the highest in the type B and was the lowest in the type C (p .05). Clothing microclimate humidity was not significant differences among gowns. In subjective .esponses, subjects perceived that Type B was the warmest gown in the 19$^{\circ}$C and the hottest and more humid in the 24$^{\circ}$C than other gowns. Inversely, type C was the coolest gown among four gowns. Both in the 19$^{\circ}$C and in the 24$^{\circ}$C, the Type D had gained most responses of being comfortable. In conclusion, the temperature difference of 5$^{\circ}$C was more of an influencing factor than the difference from four types of lab gowns. Secondly, we recommend the manufacturers to make lab gowns with functional cuffs for safety purposes. Thirdly, the spread of the type of apron with arm protector will contribute to increase of the frequency of wearing in summer. Fourthly, it is necessary to study continuously about lab gowns with non-woven materials for researchers exposed to toxic chemical and biological materials.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.172-181
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to develop functional lab gowns in the view of safety and work efficiency. As the first step of this study, we surveyed on satisfaction rates, preferences and inconvenience items in regard of lab gowns. The data was obtained from 138 graduate students specialized in science and 113 medical students. Respondents answered that the first purpose of wearing lab gown was to protect body from danger. Wearing frequency followed with ‘always’, ‘as possible as’, and then ‘sometimes’. Forty-five percentage of respondents answered that they didn't wear lab gowns often in summer because of hot weather. The contaminated or damaged parts of lab gowns followed with cuffs, abdomen, thigh, lower part, and then chest. Washing frequency followed with ‘once a month’, ‘once per six months’, and then ‘more than once a week’ There were significant differences in normal wearing frequency, wearing frequency by season and washing frequency due to major. There were no significant difference by sex and major in all questions. In regard of the protective capacity of current lab gowns, most respondents answered that ‘It's normal’(60%), ‘It's enough’(21%), so that they didn't show much dissatisfaction. Forty-three percentage of respondents were not satisfied with cuffs. Respondents answered that the cuffs were in danger and inconvenient because of broad cuffs. In regard of color, preference for white were high and followed with ivory, light sky, light green. and then light pink. Materials of current lab gowns were cotton/polyester or polyester 100%. Sixty-eight percentage of respondents were satisfied with that and others were not. The reasons for dissatisfactions were as follows; those materials were not protective to chemicals thoroughly enough. Cotton/polyester materials were heavy. Wearing sensation of polyester 100% was not good.