Yesterday, the 10th of December, Hanna Oh and I visited the Gore-Tex factory in Elkton, MD. We’d like to show you photos of our incredible tour, but photography was prohibited.
Gore-Tex is a product that was discovered by W.L. Gore while an employee of DuPont. DuPont wasn’t interested in the application and gave Mr. Gore the rights to pursue what would become a multi-million dollar business.
You’re probably aware of Cross-Tech, the membrane barrier in your turnout gear. And, the Gore product that’s in the liners of your gloves and boots.
Then, there’s sporting apparel, for skiing, hunting or whatever.
Gore has been a sponsor of the Challenge for neigh on 20 years. And, all indications are for another 20.
We visited their environmental chamber- a one-of-a-kind, where not only the temperature can be controlled, but relative humidity and thermal loads, via radiant heat and wind velocity. An animated mannequin can be used to test a whole variety of human movements while wearing any number of garments.
Other laboratories were testing abrasion or resistance to delamination or integrity for bursting under pressure.
So, a big shout-out and expression of appreciation to a company that is uniquely American with a huge contribution in industry, sport and more recently medical applications such as stents and grafts.
Timely thoughts and relevant information for fire-athletes...©, 2023
1 comment:
Dr. Davis,
There has been a movement in recent years of organizations trying to educate Firefighters about the carcinogens PFOAS and PFOS as additives in firefighting foam and more specifically as additives in our turnout gear to aide in water repellency. Firefighters then are subject to dermal absorption when wearing turnouts and sweating. I’m curious if you’ve heard of these chemicals and your thoughts.
There’s a few articles out there. Here is one:
https://station-pride.com/2017/03/28/the-real-cancer-in-your-gear/
Dan Garner
Pittsfield Fire
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