What is the term for the movement of a hazardous chemical through openings in a garment?

The term for the movement of a hazardous chemical through openings in a garment is referred to as penetration. This process specifically involves the chemical moving through seams, zippers, or other openings in protective clothing. It is a critical concept in understanding how protective gear can fail and lead to exposure to hazardous materials.

In the context of hazardous materials response, recognizing penetration is essential for selecting appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). If a garment has significant openings or is not adequately sealed, the risk of penetration increases, which can compromise the safety of the responder.

Other terms in the options describe different processes. Absorption refers to the process where a material takes in a substance, pollution deals with the contamination of air, water, or soil, and infiltration typically describes the movement of liquids into soil or porous materials rather than through clothing. Thus, penetration accurately captures the specific concern regarding hazardous chemicals and protective clothing.