Industry News
The Ultimate Protection for the Great Outdoors
Aug 11, 2020
The Ultimate Protection for the Great Outdoors
Key takeaways from this article:
• Bulwark's new FR workwear line incorporates Insect Shield technology for insect repulsion.
• The collection features 13 key garments, including iQ Comfort Series items, jeans, hi-vis pieces, and Mobility Coveralls.
• Insect Shield protects against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and chiggers, lasting 50 washes.
• The treatment is integrated during manufacturing, ensuring durability.
• Garments offer dual protection: flame resistance and insect defense.
Those who work in the great outdoors know, there’s one particularly pesky downside to all that fresh air: insects. And for those who face thermal hazards on the job, Insect Shield® does not affect the arc rating of the garment. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our new line of FR workwear using Insect Shield. We took 13 of our top garments for men and women—including shirts and pants from the iQ Comfort Series, jean and hi-vis favorites, and our ultra-advanced Mobility Coveralls—and turned them into the ultimate PPE for the outdoors. This patented technology is proven to effectively repel insects ranging from mosquitoes to ticks and flies to chiggers, with protection that lasts through 50 washes. So you can work pest-free and confidently compliant, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS INSECT SHIELD EPA-REGISTERED?
Yes - Insect Shield Repellent Apparel is EPA registered. (Reg. No. 74843-2). The EPA registration process is designed to evaluate a proposed product to ensure it will not have adverse effects on people or the environment. Insect Shield products have been rigorously evaluated on multiple levels, the chemistry, the application process and the final consumer product.
WHICH INSECTS DOES INSECT SHIELD REPEL?
Insect Shield® Repellent has been registered to repel mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums). The EPA requires extensive effectiveness data to prove a product’s ability to repel insects. Many species and varieties of these insects have been tested, including many that can carry dangerous diseases.
HOW MUCH PROTECTION IS PROVIDED BY INSECT SHIELD REPELLENT APPAREL?
A small item of Insect Shield clothing provides less repellency than a larger one. You may need to adjust the amount of Insect Shield apparel you wear, depending on the number of biting insects that are present. For example, you might prefer to wear pants instead of shorts in certain situations; long sleeves instead of short; or add a hat and socks. Topical repellent can be used for exposed skin and is especially recommended for heavily infested locations.
HOW LONG WILL INSECT SHIELD PROTECTION LAST?
The repellency of Insect Shield will last through 50 launderings, when following laundry instructions. Insect Shield products also have a long shelf life. Insect Shield-treated garments stored for ten years have shown no loss of repellent effectiveness.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INSECT SHIELD VS. OTHER FORMS OF INSECT PROTECTION?
Insect Shield Repellent puts insect repellency near your skin, instead of on it, and the protection is invisible. Also, the repellency is long lasting, so no re-application is needed.
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR INSECT SHIELD PRODUCTS?
FR garments with the Insect Shield process can be washed using a normal home laundering process when follow the garment laundry instructions. It should not be dry-cleaned.
HOW DID PERMETHRIN ORIGINATE, AND HOW IS IT USED?
Permethrin has been successfully used in the United States as an EPA-registered product since 1977, with an excellent safety record. Permethrin is used in lice shampoos for children, flea dips for dogs, and various other products, some of which are regulated by the FDA.
IS PERMETHRIN DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY IF I WEAR MY CLOTHES HOME?
No, Insect Shield Repellent Apparel is EPA registered. (Reg. No. 74843-2) The EPA registration process is designed to evaluate a proposed product to ensure it will not have adverse effects on people or the environment.
DOES INSECT SHIELD AFFECT THE FLAME-RESISTANT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FABRIC? DOES INSECT SHIELD AFFECT THE ARC RATING OF THE FABRIC? HOW IS THE ATPV EFFECTED BY INSECT SHIELD?
No, Insect Shield does not affect the flame-resistant characteristics, or arc rating of the fabric.
DOES INSECT SHIELD AFFECT THE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FABRIC?
No, Insect Shield does not affect the physical performance characteristics of the fabric.
CAN I WASH INSECT SHIELD TREATED CLOTHING AT HOME? WITH MY OTHER CLOTHES?
Yes, it can be washed at home. However, it is recommended that FR clothing be washed separately from other clothing.
ARE THERE ANY HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO INSECT SHIELD TREATED CLOTHING?
No, Insect Shield is EPA registered. The EPA registration process is designed to evaluate a product to ensure it will not have adverse effects on people or the environment. Insect Shield products have been rigorously evaluated on multiple levels, the chemistry, the application process and the final consumer product.
DOES INSECT SHIELD WORK WHEN FABRIC IS HEAVILY SOILED WITH GREASE, OIL OR OTHER TYPES OF SOIL?
When grease, oil or other soils cover a treated area, it can reduce the effectiveness of that area.
WILL INSECT SHIELD WORK IF THE TREATED GARMENT IS COVERED BY ANOTHER UNTREATED LAYER SUCH AS A COVERALL, SWEATSHIRT, JACKET ETC.?
Areas of a treated garment that are covered by an untreated garment will be less effective than uncovered areas.
IF A TREATED GARMENT BECOMES WET, EITHER BY RAIN OR SWEAT, WILL THE REPELLENCY PROPERTIES BE DIMINISHED?
No - It has been shown that the repellency properties of Insect Shield are not diminished by becoming wet.