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Permethrin Uniform Treatment. LTC Jamie Blow AFPMB. History. A variety of compounds have been used since WWII to treat clothing. In the 1970’s permethrin was identified as meeting the requirements for a clothing repellent. Extensive testing ensued to: Evaluate it as a clothing repellent
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Permethrin Uniform Treatment LTC Jamie Blow AFPMB
History • A variety of compounds have been used since WWII to treat clothing. • In the 1970’s permethrin was identified as meeting the requirements for a clothing repellent. • Extensive testing ensued to: • Evaluate it as a clothing repellent • Determine optimum concentration • Determine efficacy • Develop methods of application
History • All testing was conducted on the 100% cotton and 50% cotton:50% nylon uniforms. • After extensive testing the Army submitted 3 registrations packets to the EPA for the treatment of garments (IDA kits and 2-gallon sprayer) and fabric (pad roll method). • In 1991, the EPA approved the registrations which are still held by the Army today.
Current • Late 1990’s commercial companies develop the capability to treat garments with permethrin. • By the 2000’s, new uniform fabric’s with a variety of add-on treatments began to appear.
Army Uniforms • Replaces BDUs with ACU in 2005 • 50/50 fabric with a wrinkle resistant finish. • Tested and validated permethrin application by IDA kit. • Fire ResistantACU (FRACU) replace ACU as deployment uniform in Jan 2009. • Tested and failed permethrin application by IDA kit. • DA G4 issued FOUO not to treat FRACU by field methods 1 April 2008. • Factory treatment methods evaluated.
Marine Uniforms • Marine Corp Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) introduced in 2005 as the new field uniform. • 50/50 fabric with a permanent press finish. • Not tested for treatment by field methods. • Currently a contract to factory treat. • Flame Retardent Operational Gear (FROG) introduced in 2009. • Being evaluated for factory treatment.
Air Force Uniforms • Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) field 2009. • 50/50 fabric with permanent press finish. • ABU has been tested for permethrin treatment by IDA kit.
Navy Uniforms • Field Navy Working Uniform in 2010. • 50/50 fabric with permanent press finish. • Not supposed to be a deployment uniform but is being worn as a deployment uniform. • Has not been tested for treatment by field methods.
Treatment Requirements • Army - TRADOC Core Soldier System CPD 2009 • Initial absorption: 0.52% ± 10% w/w initial treatment • Bite protection: 70-90% bite protection through 50 launderings. • Marines • Initial absoption: 0.52% ± 10% w/w initial treatment • Bite protection: 90% protection requirement through 50 launderings. • Air Force • Navy
Absorption/Efficacy Validation • No DoD Standard requirement to validate that field uniform fabric absorption of permethrin are IAW EPA labels; and • There is no DoD Standard requiring that a treated field uniform provides the required level of bite protection. • Need to ensure that treated uniforms meet absorption and bite protection requirements and do not pose a health risk to the Service member due to over treatment or inadequate bite protection.
Potential Environmental Impacts • Failure of uniforms absorb all fluid in the IDA kits also poses the potential for environmental issues. • Service members may discard excess permethrin into sanitary sewers, storm drains, on the ground, or any other convenient place. • Effluent from Hill AFB, Utah was found to contain permethrin during an investigation to determine the cause of a fish die-off in a trout stream.
Army Current • PEO Soldier is has awarded contract for factory treatment of FRACU: • Will be known as FRACU-P • Expected fielding in May/June • PEO Soldier is continuing with evaluation of factory treatment of ACU, IVCS, A2C2, ACS, etc…
Evaluation Protocols • Natick Soldier Center • Evaluates concentration of permethrin in fabric. • Washes uniforms IAW established protocol • Collects fabric sample for bite testing at selected time points. • USDA-CMAVE • Evaluates bite protection testing at selected time points.
Communication Plan • Briefing developed by CHPPM, POPM, and AFPMB to provide information on the benefits of permethrin treated clohting. • Finalizing responses to frequently asked questions for posting on web. • PEO Soldier has a communication program to get information out in both print and video.
BLUF • Each new uniform fabric/add-on treatment must be tested and evaluated for permethrin treatment to ensure it: • meets EPA label initial treatment requirements • provides the desired bite protection