Synthetic rubber is used for making disposable nitrile gloves which means that Nitrile Gloves are free from latex proteins. This makes them the preferred option for those with latex allergies. However, if the wearer isn’t allergic to allergies it may still be a good idea to switch to Nitrile. The user may still be in contact with somebody who has a latex allergy. For example, a carer in a care home may not have an allergy to latex but one of the patients might.
Nitrile Gloves are also up to 3 times more durable than latex gloves. This makes them the preferred glove when there is a risk of exposure to infectious organisms or other poisonous substances. They are often referred to as Medical Grade which means they have undergone a series of tests proving that they are suitable to be used in these environments. They are commonly used in laboratories, hospitals and dentists and in the care environment. However, they are also used in the automotive market where a thicker more durable nitrile glove is used to protect against oil and engine lubricants.
Nitrile Gloves also have superior chemical resistance to other disposable gloves. This is due to the fact that Nitrile Rubber has better resistance to chemicals, acids & oils than natural rubber. Nitrile Gloves are also powder-free, these further reduces the risk of allergens and dealing with messy powder. The gloves also have a chlorinated finish applied to the glove making wearing & removing easier, even when the hands are wet. This makes these gloves very useful in situations such as food environments where frequent glove changes are required. Some nitrile gloves are double chlorinated on the inside, providing a smooth finish to the glove which allows the glove to be worn whilst the user has wet hands.
