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Human Lab: Sweat Busters

Aired on: August 4, 2009, March 18, 2009

The old adage "Never let 'em see you sweat!" is the focus of our latest "Human Lab," when three firefighters from Stamford, CT test products to help tackle their three-alarm perspiration!

SweatBlock

John, a firefighter with Engine 5 Rescue 1, says that as soon as the alarm bell rings, his adrenaline kicks in and his armpits start sweating. "There are times throughout the day when I would give anything not to be sweating," he says. But the problem doesn't end there. On a busy 24-hour shift, there is rarely time for anyone to take a shower. "It can get pretty funky in the bunk room," John admits.

John tries the SweatBlock liquid formula, which is designed to eliminate underarm perspiration for seven days.

Kleinert's Fluid-Resistant Underwear

"It's certainly uncomfortable to be sweaty," says Alan of Truck 1. "You walk around like a wet sponge all day." When fighting a fire, Alan explains that a room can reach 1,200 degrees, and after a few minutes of carrying 150 pounds of equipment, you're covered in sweat. A marathon runner who logs 80 miles a week, Alan explains, "I sweat all over -- but especially below the waist. Reducing my sweat would be great because I wouldn't have to walk around with damp clothes all the time."

Alan tries a pair of Kleinert's Fluid-Resistant Underwear, which claims to absorb excessive sweat and keep the cloth next to your skin dry.

Drionic Underarm Device

Rocco of Engine 2 uses a cooking metaphor to describe his job. "During a fire," he explains, "it's kind of like crawling into a pizza oven with a snow suit on." By the end of a call, he says, it's easy to find yourself drenched in sweat from your helmet to your boots. "Other guys at the firehouse are always pointing out my sweat rings," he admits. "If there's anybody you want to test sweating [products] on, it would be a firefighter."

Rocco tries the Drionic Underarm Device, which claims to help the underarms stay dry for a period of up to six weeks.