Definition of Key Terms
Permeation is a process by which a chemical can pass through a protective film without going through pinholes, pores, or other visible openings. Individual molecules of the chemical enter the film and "squirm" through by passing between the molecules of the glove compound or film.

Breakthrough time and Rate
Breakthrough times (min.) are the times observed from the start of the test to first detection of the chemical on the other side of the sample.

Permeation rates are the highest flow rates recorded for the permeating chemicals through the glove samples during a six-hour test.

Degradation is a reduction in one or more physical properties of a glove material due to contact with a chemical.
The overall Degradation Rating for each chemical is explained in "How To Read The Charts."

How to Read the Charts
Three categories of data are represented for each Ansell . product and corresponding chemical: 1) overall degradation resistance rating 2) permeation breakthrough time, and 3) permeation rate.
Standards for Color-Coding
A glove-chemical combination receives GREEN if either set of the following conditions is met:

• The degradation rating is Excellent or Good
• The permeation breakthrough time is 30 minutes or longer
• The permeation rate is Excellent, Very Good, or Good.
OR
• The permeation rate is not specified
• The permeation breakthrough time is 240 minutes or longer
• The degradation rating is Excellent, Very Good, or Good
A glove-chemical combination receives RED?if: the degradation rating is Poor or Not Recommended regardless of the permeation rating.

All other glove-chemical combinations receive YELLOW. In other words, any glove-chemical combination not meeting either set of conditions required for Green, and not having a Red degradation rating of either Poor or Not Recommended, receives a YELLOW rating.