Permeation of a 2,4-D isooctyl ester formulation through neoprene, nitrile, and Tyvek protection materials

Tyvek (laminated saranax) and unsupported nitrile gloves gave protection from permeation against formulation concentrates and aqueous emulsions of Esteron 99 [isooctyl ester of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] under conditions simulating extremes of field conditions. Neoprene gloves, whether unsupported or supported, lined or unlined, were permeated much more than unsupported nitrile gloves. An initial penetration was observed for all the materials. A cosolvent effect involving the "inert components" was observed, as implied by the appearance of inert components in the hexane collection medium of the ASTM cell before and with the 2,4-D ester. Degradation occurred in the neoprene and supported glove materials since nonformulation components also were detected on the collection side. The glove selection procedure involved the characteristics of single surrogate compounds in the brochure of a glove manufacturer, in addition to the characteristics of the carrier and inert ingredients. This procedure was sufficient to predict correctly that nitrile would protect better than neoprene; however, direct experimental confirmation was necessary to select the type of nitrile material which provided optimum protection.