Title

University of Maryland Eastern Shore research advances global worker PPE

Relevance

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"Workers who spray pesticides in Africa were often not protected against inadvertent exposure, as personal protective equipment (PPE) is not yet standardized on the continent. Those who wore PPE were met with the challenge of heat stress and lack of comfort. "},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Response

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"Dr. Anugrah Shaw is a textile technologist and director of the International Center for PPE (ICPPE) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. She has conducted research on protective clothing for pesticide applicators for more than 20 years. The center tested and compiled information on fabrics available throughout the world and guidance on the level of protective property each has against spray pesticides. "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"The ICPPE at UMES worked in collaboration with the Pest Control Products Board (a Kenyan governmental entity), chemical company BASF and agricultural technology company Syngenta, to develop a new protective garment for farmers and pesticide operators."},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Results

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"The ISO-certified garment premiered in August 2024. It looks like an ordinary jumpsuit but is protective clothing that is comfortable, affordable and the first-of-its-kind available in Africa. "},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Public Value Statement

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#212121"},"insert":"The garment increases safety across the globe for anyone who sprays pesticides, ensuring better protection from exposure and science-backed comfort."},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Primary Focus Area

Nutrition & Health

Secondary Focus Area

Nutrition & Health

Impact Statement