DuPont warns outdoor workers to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working near oak trees to avoid coming into contact with the oak processionary moth (OPM) caterpillars. The oak processionary moth is a pest that destroys the leaves of oak trees, but its caterpillars, which are often seen crawling and nesting on trees during spring and summer, pose a risk to human health. As a specialist in protective clothing, DuPont offers a range of PPE options to protect workers against this hazard, enabling work to be carried out safely in moth-infested areas.

The caterpillars have long hairs protruding from their body. They contain a protein called thaumetopoein, which can trigger allergic reactions when coming into contact with skin. Common symptoms include itching followed by skin inflammation, but eye and respiratory tract irritation can also occur. In some cases, symptoms can include fever and dizziness. Operators from the forest, road construction, and landscape maintenance companies tasked with removing the moths’ nests are particularly at risk.

“It’s crucial that workers avoid touching the caterpillars and protect themselves by wearing appropriate PPE,” said Figen Ersezer, Marketing Specialist for DuPont Personal Protection. “Some of the symptoms can be severe, and the intensity of the allergic reaction is typically strengthened every time a person comes into contact with thaumetopoein. That’s why workers must wear the correct protective garments from the start.”

To minimize the risk of contact and to enable work to be carried out safely in affected areas, DuPont recommends operators wear chemical protective clothing, including overalls and gloves. Various options are available to meet the needs of different applications and exposure levels. These include:

• DuPont™ Tyvek^® 600 plus coverall, which combines Type 4 performance with optimal durability and comfort
• DuPont™ Tyvek^® 800 J coverall, designed to protect against water-based inorganic chemicals under pressure

To find out more about DuPont™ Tyvek^® and Tychem^® solutions, visit https://www.dupont.co.uk/personal-protective-equipment.html