A white lab coat is generally called a laboratory coat. The length of this coat will reach your knees. The coat is generally worn by medical students, those working in pathologies, in laboratories, etc. Mostly, the coat is worn to protect the body of the wearer from chemicals spilling over them. The color of these coats is kept white only because any liquid or dust that trickles on it can be easily seen and cleaned. These coats are manufactured from cotton, polyester or linen. This is done because firstly, these fabrics are easy to clean and secondly, they give a very exquisite look and are long lasting. This lab coat is also sometimes worn by faculty members to protect their clothes from chalk spilling over them.
The white lab coat is in extensive use as they protect your body parts from harmful chemicals. The fabric with which the cost is manufactured is of a superior quality absorbent such as cotton. This easily absorbs the chemical that has spilled on it. This coat usually has sleeve buttons to protect the hanging sleeves to drip into the beakers with the chemicals. This lab coat also comes in various categories. One of the most common of them is the short sleeved coat that the scientists wear. You can always see a NASA scientist wearing them. The main reason for this is that they do not need protection from chemicals, but with dust. Besides, the sleeves are easily washable.
We have been seeing medical students, doctors, and surgeons wearing this lab coat for hundreds of years. The origin of these white coats can be traced back to the 19th century when the archeologists and scientists used to wear them. Soon, the science of medicine also made a transition in this phase and they also began categorizing themselves as scientists and researchers. The major change in the coat was done by increasing the length of the coats- up to knee high; and the length of the sleeve-from short sleeves to full sleeves. This introduction of white lab coat in medical fraternity was done by Dr. George Armstrong. He was a surgeon at Montreal General Hospital and also served as a President to the Canadian Medical Association. The doctors are always preferred to be seen wearing these coats by the patients and the students. The white color is associated with simplicity and dedication. Besides, it can also be linked to integrity of their work. The nobleness of the profession has been enhanced with the involvement of white color in it.
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