Elkton, Maryland, April 21, 2010 – At the 2010 FDIC show, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., introduced a new member of its family of CROSSTECH® moisture barriers. Combining its extensive expertise in moisture barrier technology with its latest developments of durable, breathable fabrics for use in military protective clothing, Gore has engineered a new two-layer CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier that maintains the same high level of breathability as the original CROSSTECH® moisture barrier, with the specific benefit of more durable NFPA 1851 performance as demonstrated in recent field trials. This new barrier includes a warranty covering labor and materials for repairs of normal wear and tear through three years or the first complete liner inspection done in accord with the NFPA 1851 standard (up to 3.5 years from the date of manufacture).

CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier provides consistent, sustained breathability over a wide range of environmental conditions. According to Holly Blake, Gore’s North American product specialist for structural moisture barriers, the development team engineered this new moisture barrier by combining the proven performance of CROSSTECH® products with the latest technology used in the US Army’s third generation of ECWCS outerwear. Blake explains, “At Gore, we have more than 30 years of experience in engineering membranes and laminates for the industry’s leading moisture barriers. Although ECWCS does not have to meet the flame-resistance and blood-borne pathogen standards required for turnout gear, we were able to engineer our next generation of moisture barriers by combining the barrier technology used in ECWCS with our intimate knowledge of ePTFE membranes and laminates. This new product — which brings our most recent membrane developments into today’s turnout gear — is a highly durable, two-layer moisture barrier that withstands extended heat exposure without compromising the great breathability that has made CROSSTECH® products the choice of departments throughout North America.”

Component-recognized to the NFPA 1971 Standard, 2007 edition, CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier demonstrates high total heat loss (THL), which means the firefighter experiences less heat stress. Unlike some other barriers, this moisture barrier withstands high heat exposure and still delivers excellent breathability and long-lasting protection. Based on several thorough field trials of turnout gear built to the departments’ specifications, CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier was extremely durable and reduced repair costs by as much as 50 percent when the component was cleaned and inspected using a protocol well beyond that required of the NFPA 1851 standard. This improved durability, combined with the barrier’s warranty, makes it easier for departments to comply with the maintenance requirements in the 2008 edition of the NFPA 1851 standard.

CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier is ideal for departments that need increased NFPA-1851 durability combined with excellent THL in a two-layer barrier. However, some departments operate in rugged environments that demand the highest level of durability possible. Another Gore moisture barrier — CROSSTECH® 3-layer moisture barrier — is the toughest barrier available in the market today, engineered specifically for firefighters that are rough on their gear. Blake concludes, “Fire departments have different needs, and at Gore, we want to ensure that we have a full line of products that span the range of durability, breathability, performance, and value.” To learn more about the full line of CROSSTECH® fabrics for turnout gear, footwear, and gloves, visit www.CROSSTECH.com.

CROSSTECH® black moisture barrier and CROSSTECH® 3-Layer moisture barrier are the latest additions to Gore’s family of products for first responders, which includes GORE® CHEMPAK®, GORE-TEX, CROSSTECH® WINDSTOPPER®, and other Gore fabrics. With approximately 8,000 employees worldwide, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., specializes in fluoropolymer innovations that improve the quality of life. Gore has applied its world-renowned expertise in fluoropolymer fabrication to thousands of applications in consumer, electronic, pharmaceutical, and medical product manufacturing. Specifically in the fabrics arena, Gore has been a pioneer in developing high-performance barrier products for use in law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, technical rescue, military, and domestic preparedness applications. The company operates more than 45 facilities worldwide with headquarters in Newark, Delaware, USA.

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Media Contact:
Marie Y. Smith
302.994.0117
mysmith115@comcast.net

CROSSTECH, CHEMPAK, GORE-TEX, WINDSTOPPER, GORE, and design are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Gore does not make any claims that GORE® Particulate Hoods would cure, prevent, or reduce any disease or condition, including cancer. While a number of industry studies show disproportionately high rates of cancer in firefighters, the links between very specific sources, the routes of exposure, and the impact are still an area of appropriately intense study. Organizations such as the NFPA are supportive of enabling firefighters to choose hoods that block potentially harmful fireground particles, and Gore has created a particulate-blocking hood that is certified to the NFPA 1971 Standard requirements, 2018 Edition, for the particulate-blocking hood option.

While the industry might hope that Gore's hoods can help address the issue of firefighter cancer, Gore thinks that making such a definitive statement does not reflect either the science to date or the approach Gore takes in making claims about its products. Gore does say that it will make the best-in-class hoods, exceeding the NFPA 1971 standard, providing exceptional particulate-blocking capabilities in a highly durable and comfortable product. And Gore believes that using particulate-blocking hoods is a prudent choice to reduce a firefighter's exposure to potentially harmful fireground particulates, consistent with recommendations from a range of trusted organizations aligned with firefighter health and well-being.

At Gore, we believe we are making a great product for firefighters, as we always strive to do; however, it is very important that we are clear about what we say our products will do, and we will not extend those claims beyond what the best science can confidently support to date. We hope that you can understand and appreciate this position, particularly in light of such a serious concern for firefighters.