Starch as a renewable finish to improve the pesticide-protective properties of conventional workclothes.

Because many pesticide handlers persist in wearing and reusing conventional workclothes, a renewable functional finish that enhances the pesticide-protective qualities of fabrics would be useful. This study investigated the ability of starch to act as a pesticide trap, preventing transfer and increasing removal by laundering, and the effect of carboxymethyl cellulose on release of pesticide in laundry. The retention and distribution of methyl parathion (MeP) on 65% polyester/35% cotton fabric was studied with four finishes: starch and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as nondurable finishes; durable press resin (DP) and durable press/carboxymethyl cellulose (DP/CMC) as durable finishes.