Public Safety Workgear

The contamination of gear and equipment with carcinogens and bacteria is a threat to the health and safety of policemen, firefighters, and law enforcement personnel. Body armor and bulletproof vests are constructed of multiple layers of ballistic fabric, causing profuse sweating, which causes bacteria to grow within the fibers.

Firefighting gear becomes thoroughly permeated with carcinogens and odor, which requires regular and thorough cleaning. Spray cleaning products can "inhibit" bacteria and temporarily conceal odor, but they do not kill the odor causing bacteria and viruses living deep down in the multiple fibers.

The proper care of today's modern body armor requires taking precautions - most manufacturers strongly recommend that the protective panel never be submerged in water, bleach (including nonchlorine or peroxide-based bleach) or starch, as they may reduce the garment's level of protection. Often even dry cleaning armor is not recommended. Body armor, bulletproof vests and firefighting gear can safely be placed in the ZONO with no negative impact on the garment's level of protection.