The criteria for selection and use of protective clothing, particularly with respect to protection from high radiant heat, are both objective and subjective. Part 1 of this study examines objective responses to clothing. Five fabrics commonly used in protective workwear were made into overalls of identical design and were evaluated by adult males in a simulated work environment. Microclimate humidity differences occurring during exercise and rest were significant with respect to subjects and times but not with respect to overalls. There was, however, a significant overall/time interaction. Skin temperature differences occurring during exercise and rest were significant only with respect to time and regions of the body. Thus, despite physical differences in the five overalls, particularly mass, statistically significant objective data allowing discrimination among overalls was not demonstrated.
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