Note: When buying anything online, please exercise good judgment especially in case of buying anything for protection against coronavirus also known as COVID-19. Please refer to the CDC website for accurate information.
Over the years, the world has had pandemics and certain regions of the world have had endemics. Since the year 2000, there have been epidemics like Ebola virus disease, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), H1N1 virus, Avian Influenza, Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and currently, Covid-19.
In times of pandemics, the goal is usually to limit or halt the spread of the disease. This goal is as such because if the disease spreads to a point where the health workers are overwhelmed by the number of patients, the world may be doomed.
Coronavirus has been implicated as the cause of at least 3 of the aforementioned diseases – this is perhaps a testament to the infectiousness of this virus. The current coronavirus (COVID-19) is distinct from the other coronaviruses and this distinction even earned it the name “novel coronavirus”. This pandemic is perhaps the biggest in recent years with almost 100,000 cases so far and all hands are on deck to stop it from becoming a burden.
As mentioned earlier, the goal is to halt the spread of the disease and this can be achieved by using protective wears like hand gloves, face masks, and protective suits. Follow the rest of the article as it highlights 10 protective suits suitable against coronavirus.
1. DUPONT TY122S
First on the list is the DuPont TY122S that serves as protection in multiple environments. It offers safety is non-medical and in medical environments. The DuPont TY122Sis a breathable protective suit so you never get too hot while wearing it. Also, it shuts out particles as small as 1 micron. It is disposable, comfortable and it comes in at least for different sizes (from 3XL to M). The hood makes for the easy wearing of respiratory masks too.
Available here.
2. SAS SAFETY 6851
Weighing just about 150 grams, the SAS Safety 6851 is a comfortable lightweight. If you are one who is not comfortable with non-fiber materials like rubber materials, the SAS safety 6851 may be your choice. It is made with a fiber material similar to those used in making cloths and it comes in up to 8 different sizes (ranging from 5XL to S). It is an ASTM F903 suit hence it is resistant to the penetration of liquid. Most times, viruses spread through body fluids but with the suit’s resistance to liquid, this is less likely.
Available here.
3. VENOM STEEL DISPOSABLE COVERALL
The Venom Steel disposable coverall is also lightweight (about 150 grams). It is suitable for use in different environments. The suit is breathable so you would not get too damp or hot while you use it. The material used in making this is resistant to scratching and scraping so your protection is not likely to be breached easily. It is an ASTM F1670 based suit so it is likely resistant to body fluids like blood.
Available here
4. ABC BLUE SMS COVERALL
The ABC blue SMS coverall is comfortable, lightweight(about 50 grams), soft and breathable; basically, you will not have to be too irritable while protecting yourself. It is made from a synthetic polypropylene material that is resistant to scraping and scratching. It serves as a barrier to dry particles and aerosols and while the price may not matter in protecting yourself, it is quite cheap too.
Available here
5. DUPONT TYVEK 400 TY125S
The DuPont Tyvek TY125S was made to be comfortable and still serves its main purpose – protection. Weighing about 100 grams, it is very light and it is breathable too so it never gets too damp inside it. The suit is made from high-density spun polyethylene which is perhaps more efficient than suits with micro-porous materials. It offers protection against particles down to microns and the elastic ankles and wrists restrict the entry of particles while it is worn.
Available here
6. SAS SAFETY 6938
The SAS Safety 6938 is a lightweight weighing about 90 grams. The material used in making it is breathable so you will not get too hot wearing it and the back is made with cool cotton which absorbs moisture to cool you. The SAS safety 6938 is washable so if you feel like it, you may wash after use instead of disposing of it. It comes in at least 4 sizes ranging from 3XL to M.
Available here
7. DUPONT TYVEK TY127S
The DuPont Tyvek TY127S does not restrict your movement, it is comfortable to wear with a hood that allows for easy use of masks. It weighs about 100 grams, it is breathable and resistant to scraping and scratching. The DuPont Tyvek TY127S is suitable for many environments, however, you cannot wash the DuPont Tyvek TY127S – it is disposable. It provides protection down to 1 micron and while this may not necessarily block out coronavirus, it would do well as a barrier against body fluids and aerosols.
Available here
8. VIROGUARD 1 BIOHAZARD COVERALL
While the Viroguard 1 Biohazard Protection Coverall is quite expensive, it is one suit that was made for biohazards. It is an ASTM F1670 and ASTM F1671 type of suit meaning it is resistant to blood and disease pathogens in blood. The suit is resistant to scraping and scratching too. The suit is also made to ensure that moisture is removed by vaporization to ensure you stay cool while wearing it.
Available here.
9. DUPONT TYVEK TY120S
The DuPont Tyvek 120S is a lightweight suit that comes with open wrists and ankles. Of course, you would prefer elastic wrist and ankles to serve as an additional barrier but that is absent in this suit. If you seek a protective suit without a hoodie, then you may opt for this suit. It provides protection down to microns and comes in up to 6 different sizes.
Available here
10. KLEENGUARD A60 COVERALL
The Kleenguard A60 coverall is a bit pricy but it just may be worth it. Like the Viroguard 1 Biohazard coverall, it passes ASTM F1670 and F1671 hence it would do well as a barrier against blood and pathogens carried in the blood. It is made from a breathable multi-layer material with an outer layer that is resistant to scraping and tearing.
Available here.
Conclusion
While the prices of these materials vary widely, it is necessary to carefully consider which of these protective suits suit the needs of your environment the most. Also, even with the protection that these suits offer, additional hygienic measures are still necessary to ensure that you do not get infected with the virus.
Don’t ask what others have done for you, but ask what you have done for others