Robert N. Phalen
Papers
1
Total Citations
16
H-Index
1
About
Robert N. Phalen is a leading researcher in occupational and environmental health, with a primary focus on dermal exposure assessment and protective clothing performance. His key research areas include glove permeation and penetration testing, the development of novel exposure assessment methodologies, and the ergonomic factors influencing personal protective equipment (PPE) effectiveness. Phalen’s most notable contribution is the creation of a moving robotic hand system that simulates realistic hand movements to evaluate chemical permeation through disposable nitrile gloves—a significant advancement over static testing methods. This work, published in 2008 and cited 16 times, demonstrated that hand motion can substantially alter chemical breakthrough times, providing critical data for improving PPE standards. By integrating anthropometric data (50th percentile male hand dimensions) into his robotic system, Phalen bridged the gap between laboratory testing and real-world occupational scenarios. His research has directly informed safer glove selection for workers handling pesticides like captan, reducing dermal exposure risks. Phalen’s innovative approach to combining biomechanics with chemical protection has made him a respected voice in industrial hygiene, with his findings influencing both regulatory guidelines and PPE design.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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