Which factor increases the likelihood of permeation in protective clothing?

The likelihood of permeation in protective clothing is significantly increased when the chemical is highly concentrated. A concentrated chemical typically has a higher availability of molecules that can penetrate through the protective material. When the concentration of a chemical is high, there is a greater driving force for permeation due to the difference in concentration across the material barrier. This means that more molecules can move from an area of higher concentration (outside the clothing) to an area of lower concentration (inside the clothing), facilitating permeation.

In contrast, if a chemical is at room temperature or in solid form, the permeation potential can be affected differently. Room temperature may enhance permeation over lower temperatures due to increased molecular energy and mobility, but it does not inherently increase the likelihood as much as concentration does. Solid forms of chemicals typically have less propensity to permeate through protective materials compared to liquids or gases. Additionally, chemicals with low vapor pressure tend to be less volatile and might not permeate as readily through protective clothing due to reduced vaporization and diffusion potential. Thus, concentration stands out as a primary factor in increasing permeation risk.