null

You are in . For U.S. click

What Are Nitrile Gloves? Why Should You Use Them?

Posted by Admin on 2021 Jun 24th

Don’t risk jeopardizing your health and safety by using the wrong gloves. With a myriad of options available, choosing the right gloves can be confusing. We’ll discuss the available options and why you may want to consider nitrile gloves over latex.

What Are Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are quickly becoming the glove of choice. Made of rubber, they are the perfect choice for people with latex allergies. They are three times stronger and more puncture resistant than latex. And, thanks to advances in manufacturing, they are the preferred choice when it comes to comfort.

If you, your customers, or patients, suffer from latex allergies, nitrile is the way to go. Latex allergies can be quite serious, causing itchy skin, hives, or even life-threatening conditions. Nitrile gloves are available in both powdered and non-powdered, though the trend is moving toward non-powdered as the powder can cause dryness, sometimes mistaken for an allergic reaction. 

Due to their strength and durability, nitrile gloves are the perfect choice when working with sharp objects. Being resistant to water, oil, and a host of other common chemicals and substances is a bonus!

What Are They Used For?

Nitrile gloves are used in a variety of industries, and for good reason. They are waterproof, tear and puncture resistant, and provide protection against many substances and chemicals.

Read on to find out how nitrile gloves are being used in different industries. 

Medical Uses

Nitrile is quickly becoming the glove of choice in the medical industry. Due to their superior resistance against tears and punctures, they provide a superior level of protection against needles and other sharp objects. They also protect against bodily fluids, blood borne pathogens, and keep patients, who may be allergic to latex, safe and healthy.

Trade Jobs

Manufacturing and trade industry jobs, everything from mechanics to commercial manufacturing, use nitrile gloves to protect against oil, grease, and a wide range of chemicals and other substances. 

Beauty/Cosmetic Industries

Nitrile gloves are invaluable to the beauty and cosmetic industries. Whether you work in a nail or hair salon, or a tattoo parlor, these gloves are essential to the trade. They provide just the right amount of tactile sensitivity for these sometimes delicate jobs. Protect yourself from the daily use of hair dye chemicals, tattoo needles, and more.

What Are Nitrile Gloves Made Out Of?

Nitrile gloves are made of a synthetic rubber. Nitrile is short for acrylonitrile-butadiene. Specially trained chemists oversee the mixing of the chemicals to ensure a perfect mix and, therefore, a perfect glove. Once mixed, porcelain hand forms that have been specially cleaned to provide a smooth, clean surface are dipped into the compound.

After a hot water bath and heat dry, a hypoallergenic compound is added to the inside of the glove. A beaded grip is then added to the end of the glove to provide grip for the user and prevent it from rolling up. They are then put into a large oven to cure. 

After curing they are inspected for strength, chemical and puncture resistance, then packaged up and headed to a facility near you!

Nitrile Gloves Vs Latex Gloves

Nitrile gloves are made of inorganic material. When it comes to strength, nitrile gloves are preferred by anyone using sharp objects or chemicals in their trade, including surgeons, manufacturers and tattoo artists. Some argue that they lack the comfort of latex gloves, but what they lack, they make up for in safety.

Latex gloves are made from organic tree sap, making them the more eco-friendly choice. Latex is still a very popular choice for comfort in many settings, including healthcare. However, due to latex allergies, some have chosen to use nitrile as a skin-friendly alternative. 

Nitrile Gloves Vs Vinyl Gloves

In contrast to nitrile, vinyl gloves are designed for short-term applications. They meet FDA regulations for food contact use, while medical vinyl gloves are suitable for healthcare applications. They are often used for food prep and light-duty cleaning. Similar to both latex and nitrile, vinyl gloves are available in both powdered and powder-free versions. While they provide protection against biological contaminants, they do not have the chemical resistance that nitrile gloves offer.

Can You Reuse Nitrile Gloves?

OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards state that disposable gloves cannot be reused. That said, in a state of emergency, such as the recent Covid-19 pandemic when there was a shortage of PPE, the CDC offered guidance on glove disinfection. However, as standard practice, disinfecting nitrile gloves is not recommended as cleaning chemicals can eventually wear through the gloves and negate their effectiveness. 

Are They Food Safe?

Yes! Nitrile gloves may be used in food preparation and food service applications. To ensure everyone’s safety, make sure you are purchasing from a quality supplier to make sure the gloves meet all applicable industry standards. Gloves used in food service or preparation should be free of powder as it increases the risk of cross-contamination in food. If you’re using nitrile gloves around meat, it’s important to change gloves when switching from one meat to another. And, of course, proper storage is key to keeping your nitrile gloves free from any potential airborne contaminants. 

Where To Buy Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves should be purchased from reputable sources that understand why quality matters. The Dental Market is a leader in providing safety and cleaning supplies to the dental industry. GloveNation and Mountainside-Medical Equipment are other trusted suppliers. Quality matters! You may even wish to check with trusted colleagues and peers in your industry for recommendations. 

Conclusion

Nitrile gloves have quickly become the glove of choice for healthcare, beauty, and industrial applications due to their superior strength and chemical resistance. While wearing nitrile you’ll feel confident that you are protecting your patients and clients from a potential allergic reaction, common with latex. And, with the improvements in nitrile manufacturing processes nitrile is a clear winner from a cost standpoint. If you haven’t switched, maybe it’s time. 

The Dental Market is an excellent supplier, with a focus on providing only the highest quality products. Best of all, you’ll never have to pay retail price. 

<