Question:
What
is Anthrax?
Answer:
Anthrax
is a spore forming bacterium; it is not the same thing as a chemical
agent. Chemical agents such as Sarin or Mustard gas are poison and
cause death from paralyzing the central nervous system. Anthrax
is a bacterium that gets into the body and reproduces like pneumonia
or other infectious diseases.
Question: Will N-DEX® or other Best® gloves protect from
Anthrax exposure?
N-DEX gloves are one part of a total ensemble and may protect the
skin exposure route only. They will not provide protection from
inhalation of Anthrax. Best N-DEX gloves have been tested for protection
from viral penetration. This testing is the only standard accepted
method for blood borne pathogens and uses Bacteriophage Phi-X 174
as the biological model. The testing performed is a biological test
for something as small as a virus. Viruses are NOT the same thing
as bacteria. The Bacteriophage Phi-X 174 virus is the smallest known
virus (0.027 micrometers in size) while spore-forming bacteria may
be relatively large, up to 500 microns in size.
Anthrax, a spore forming bacterium
named Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax), is small (from 1 to 5 micrometers
in size) the most dangerous spores are fine enough to be inhaled.
This form of Anthrax is still about 30 to 180 times larger than
the Bacteriophage Phi-X 174 model virus particle that we tested.
So, it makes sense that if the glove protects from viral penetration
to Bacteriophage Phi-X 174, then the Anthrax Bacteria should not
penetrate.
We have not tested the actual
Anthrax bacteria, but the model virus data, adheres to ASTM F
1671 "Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used
in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens
Using Phi-X 174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System."
So, for applications such as letter handling or collecting specimens
for analysis of Anthrax contamination or for decontamination using
bleach, the N-DEX glove would be highly recommended. It is much
preferred to use a glove in these applications that is closefitting
in the wrist since fine powders can find their way down inside
a glove that does not fit closely in the wrist. This information
is based upon technical data that Best Manufacturing Company believes
to be reliable. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge
and experience are gained. Best makes no guarantee of results
and assumes no obligation or liability in connection with this
information.
Sincerely,
Don Groce
Best® GloveTechnical Product Specialist
October 18, 2001
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