• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.39-53
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of an experimental protective clothing material with regard to comfort and isolation from the hazardous heavy metals produced in municipal waste incineration. An analysis was conducted on the total concentrations of heavy metals in some parts such as surface, middle layer, and interior for the treated fabric, and the untreated one, and working clothes. We conclude that the processed fabric with charcoal for working clothes showed the least exposure to heavy metals of the three. Working clothes worn by workers during waste incineration were much more contaminated than the untreated and treated materials. The material of working clothes could be chosen according to the function with regard to its original chemical characteristics, which are the proper results of the dyeing process. The processed fabric material has high degrees of moisture regain, thermal insulation, water vapor penetration, and antibacterial function; consequently, it is much more comfortable to wear. The fabric material proposed in this research contributed much more to blocking heavy metal concentrations (such as Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn) than did the fabric of working clothes at present. Consequently, we strongly suggest that the material of working clothes be upgraded by adopting the above-mentioned charcoal-processed fabric. Materials of working clothes must be improved to increase comfort and prevent harmful gas, flying dust, and heavy metals from permeating the fabrics.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.41-53
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of underwear consumer's underwear purchasing behavior through survey. 630 questionnaires were distributed in Seoul and Chonju and 618 with usable data were analyzed frequency and factor analyses, t-test etc. using SPSSWIN 10.0. program. The results were summarized as follows : Most male consumers buy underwears at discount stores whereas most female consumers at chain store. Throughout all four seasons, more male and female consumers do not wear heat-retaining underwears. Most male and female consumers do not have function-fiber underwears nor functional-finishing and natural-dyeing-treated underwears. Most consumers are not satisfied with these underwears. The most important criteria for most male consumers to choose underwears are comfort levels while in action, the sense of touch, comfort levels while wearing them while not in action, pleasance levels; whereas for females are comfort levels while in action, and comfort levels while wearing them while not in action. Male consumers prefer a little bigger-than-their-bodies size, dry and soft fabrics, plain white color; whereas female consumers prefer a little tight size, dry and soft fabrics and plain beige color, Most consumers want to buy functional-fiber underwears made of yellow- soil-and-charcoal-dyeing fabrics which has jade.