When most people think of disposable gloves, they probably envision latex ones. And while these gloves are still the best choice for many, especially those who work in healthcare, with a growing awareness of latex allergies and new rules on workplace safety, more and more companies are turning to alternatives.
The most popular non latex free gloves is nitrile, which has rapidly become the go-to choice for many professionals and consumers who have latex sensitivities or allergies. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber made from polymerisation of acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is considered a safer alternative to natural rubber due to its low levels of latex proteins, which are the root cause of allergic reactions.
Although it is less common than latex allergies, nitrile allergy is a real concern. People who are sensitive or have a latex allergy can experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild itching and itchy palms to more severe, life-threatening respiratory problems like asthma and anaphylaxis. Inhaled latex proteins can also irritate skin, leading to dermatitis. In some cases, the sensitivity or allergy can even lead to serious medical problems such as hypotension or blood loss.
Nitrile is a popular alternative to latex because it offers the strength of latex with an excellent resistance against chemicals, acids and alkalies. It is a very durable material that has a high level of comfort, and its chemical resistance can help to protect against the spread of viruses and bacteria. It is highly resistant against solvents and fatty acids, as well as biological fluids.
In order to make a pair of nitrile gloves, the raw material must undergo a number of processes to convert it into a finished product. The raw materials are mixed and compounded with curatives, antioxidants and stabilizers. The nitrile is then either prepared through chlorination, prevulcanized, or dipped into a powder slurry. Chlorination is the most commonly used process. It reduces tackiness by oxidizing the latex surface, and it significantly reduces the amount of residual elastomeric protein (EP). This is a very effective method of detackification. However, it is important that the chlorination process be carefully controlled. Otherwise, discoloration and poor aging properties can result.
Before the gloves are dipped into the powder slurry, they must be washed. The washing process is very important, as it helps to remove the latex proteins from the gloves. It is also important that the washing steps are well-controlled, as too much chlorine can damage the nitrile rubber, and it will result in an inferior glove film.
The nitrile gloves are then dipped into the slurry and allowed to soak for a short time. The excess powder is then removed and the gloves are ready to be packed. Nitrile can be packaged in a variety of ways. It can be rolled or folded to prevent the nitrile from sticking together and it can also be sealed in a plastic bag.
In the case of a nitrile allergy, it is vital to keep in mind that there is no single type of glove that will provide total protection against all types of chemicals, acids and alkalies, as well as blood, oils and other contaminants. This is why it’s important to choose a brand that has been carefully tested and approved by medical and industrial organisations for use in the most demanding of applications.