{"id":2815,"date":"2004-09-22T11:39:34","date_gmt":"2004-09-23T01:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/michaelhans.com\/eclecticism\/2004\/09\/22\/1000-millimeters-in-an-inch\/"},"modified":"2019-12-11T09:12:34","modified_gmt":"2019-12-11T17:12:34","slug":"1000-millimeters-in-an-inch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michaelhans.com\/eclecticism\/2004\/09\/22\/1000-millimeters-in-an-inch\/","title":{"rendered":"1000 millimeters in an inch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Okay, I know that the US has, as a whole, been resisting switching over to the metric system (a real shame in my opinion). But still — you’d think that the Department of Homeland Security would be a little more informed than they appear to be<\/a>…<\/p>\n

\n Is there a particular type (brand) of duct tape that citizens should buy?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends using duct tape with a minimum thickness of 10 millimeters (0.01 in)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What is the most effective type of plastic sheeting?<\/strong><\/p>\n

FEMA recommends using plastic sheeting with a thickness of 10 millimeters (0.01 in.)<\/strong>. \u00a0For reference, commercially available sheeting is typically sold at 0.7, 1, 1.2, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6 and 10 millimeters. But, keep in mind that any type of plastic sheeting, even heavy trash bags, can be better than nothing.<\/p>\n

[…]<\/p>\n

What is the science behind the recommendation to seal off rooms?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Duct tape was tested as part of a study on chemical protective clothing materials. In this study, it was concluded that duct tape provided at least a temporary seal against permeation by simulants of common chemical agents, including GB, VX, mustard and pesticides. \u00a0Depending on the chemical agent, duct tape resisted permeation for 3 \u00bd hours to more than 24 hours. \u00a0The study tested duct tape of 10 mil (0.01 in.) thickness. \u00a0Plastic sheeting was tested as part of a test using live chemical warfare agents conducted at the Chemical Defense Establishment in Porton Down, England in 1970. \u00a0Agents tested included H and VX. \u00a0Sheeting of various thickness was tested, including 2.5 millimeters (0.0025 in.)<\/strong>, 4 millimeters (0.004 in.)<\/strong>, 10 millimeters (0.01 in.)<\/strong> and 20 millimeters (0.02 in.)<\/strong>.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For the curious, using Google<\/a>‘s handy dandy little calculation function, here’s the real numbers:<\/p>\n