Gloves are a type of personal protection equipment. Personal protective gear is the first line of defense against germs and hazards.
There are many reasons you may need to wear different types of gloves: i.e. nitrile, latex, or vinyl. They are common in a variety of settings, especially where bacteria or chemicals may be present. If you are administering first aid, handling food, or want to protect yourself from another substance, wear disposable gloves to shield yourself from potential illness or cross-contamination. Gloves are often worn for first aid, food handling, tattooing, healthcare, or in a lab. Do you work in one of these industries? Keep reading to find out which gloves are the best choice for you!
What kind of gloves are right for you?
Disposable gloves are usually best option for convenience, safety and durability. When you are choosing what type of gloves to purchase, consider what types of substances you will be handling, potential allergies, and strength of the material.
Latex Gloves:
Manufactured from natural rubber latex–sourced from the rubber tree or the Hevea Brasiliens–latex gloves allow for dexterity, flexibility and touch sensitivity. They are a good option for those in the medical professions and across industries. They provide protection from germs and bacteria but do not withstand chemicals.
Latex allergies are common and can be developed by anyone, often after many previous exposures. As dentists, doctors and hospitals gravitate away from latex, less allergies have developed with less exposure. If you do choose to use latex, be cautious of allergies for yourself and those around you.
Latex is not a good choice for food prep as exposure to latex can expose others to the substance, potentially resulting in a serious, sometimes deadly, allergy.
Vinyl Gloves:
Being made from polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers–a synthetic rubber–makes vinyl gloves ideal for food prep, light cleanup, and/or manufacturing. Because they are convenient and latex-free, they are not ideal for medical use as they do not provide a strong barrier from chemicals or bacteria. This is a reliable option for low-risk jobs that do not encounter biological hazards. Vinyl is a reliable option for household cleaning/chores and will keep your hands clean without drying out your skin.
Nitrile Gloves:
Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and are latex-free. They are suitable for a number of industries, including healthcare, food, and industrial manufacturing. With flexibility, durability, and high tactile sensitivity, these gloves allow you to go about your task without concerns about puncture or contaminants.
Each type of glove discussed above offers powder or powder-free options.
Citations
