Abstract: The invention disclosed is an indicator for monitoring the capacity of a CO.sub.2 absorbent to absorb CO.sub.2. The indicator is typically used in association with a closed circuit breathing apparatus, including a container for a CO.sub.2 absorbent. The indicator comprises temperature sensing means immersed in the absorbent, a temperature to voltage converter for converting a sensed temperature reading to an electrical voltage signal, temperature trend processing means for processing said electrical voltage signal into a selected electrical output signal characteristic of a temperature trend; and display means for converting said selected electrical output signal to a predetermined visual display indicative of the capacity of the CO.sub.2 absorbent to absorb CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A flexible, microporous, non-water soluble, non-skin-toxic film is provided for use in protective garments such as diver's suits, foul weather suits and the like. The film is of a thickness in the range of about 12.5.mu. to 12.5 mm and possesses about 100 to 1000 pores of a diameter in the range of about 2 to 100.mu. per cm.sup.2 of film surface. The porosity of the film permits the passage of body vapors but prevents, at least up to modest external pressures, the counter-passage of water. The film can be of a foamed material to provide increased insulational value.