Is it a myth or fact? Do nitrile gloves contain latex?
We use gloves everywhere in our lives now.
Whether it is professional use in different fields and jobs or personal use in cleaning, washing the dishes, and disease transmission prevention now that we live in the age of Coronavirus infection.
So it is no surprise that we would want to know more about these gloves we use. And since we keep hearing a lot about latex glove allergy, we will talk today about the charming nitrile gloves.
Are they latex free?
To answer this question correctly we need to start from the beginning:
What are nitrile gloves?
Nitrile gloves are synthetic, durable, chemical resistant, reasonably priced, puncture resistant, and multi-functional.
What are they made of?
Nitrile is a synthetic type of rubber that scientists developed in the 1980s. However, manufacturing companies only started to build nitrile gloves in the 1990s.
How are they made?
Scientists developed nitrile through a chemical process called polymerization, a repetition of a small molecule and merging into a polymer.
Nitrile gloves combine acrylonitrile (a volatile liquid) and butadiene (an organic compound).
These chemicals are crude oil derivatives; they go through polymerization to form nitrile, which uses more chemical processes to create a stable dry material.
Also, in the manufacturing process, manufacturers add plasticizers and other chemicals to improve the flexibility of these gloves.
Do nitrile gloves contain latex?
The shortest and most straightforward answer to that question is: no.
Nitrile gloves are latex-free, which is a fantastic quality for people looking for gloves that do not cause allergic reactions.
And since latex glove allergy is something that we hear about a lot these days, that point is one of the most significant points when we talk about the difference between latex and nitrile gloves; of course, it is a point for nitrile gloves and for people who are looking for hypoallergenic glove options.
But, what is latex allergy?
Latex allergy
It is an allergic reaction to latex protein in rubber tree sap.
In the case of patients with latex allergy, their body mistakes latex protein for a harmful substance that causes an immune reaction.
It is safe to say that not everyone is allergic to latex gloves, so if you are not allergic to them, you can safely wear them.
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Latex gloves
Latex gloves are the oldest known and most common glove materials.
They are made from the natural rubber tree sap, a milky white liquid found in latex ducts. The primary function of latex in the tree is to help the tree heal in case of cuts or damage to the trunk.
Why do people use latex gloves?
Latex gloves are very elastic, thin, and textile, have good puncture and tear resistance, and have a solid protective barrier against microorganisms and infection.
Even more, latex gloves are echo-friendly because they come from a natural source.
Why not use latex gloves?
Unfortunately, latex gloves are the preamble to various solvents, posing the threat of causing allergic reactions to many people worldwide.
Also, although they have good resistance to cuts and tears, other types of gloves that manufacturing companies developed nowadays offer better resistance with far less threat of allergy.
For how long can I safely wear latex gloves at work?
Latex gloves are disposable; you should never reuse them under any circumstances.
Generally speaking, after wearing latex gloves for about four hours, you should change them, wash your hands thoroughly and then wear new ones.
Latex gloves are relatively inexpensive; they are made from natural rubber and are flexible and very protective against microorganisms.
That’sThat’seople safely used in the food industries and the medical field. Nowadays, some people use them daily to protect themselves again Coronavirus infection.
The only downside to latex gloves is the allergy that we mentioned earlier. So people with allergies might prefer nitrile or vinyl gloves, for example.
Latex allergy symptoms
Symptoms are mainly itchy skin and hives, and, in severe cases, it may manifest as anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening situation that causes throat swelling and breathing difficulties.
These symptoms appear after touching latex rubber products like latex gloves.
And in some cases, you can also develop latex allergy by breathing in latex particles that release in the air after someone take their gloves off.
Latex allergy symptoms range from mild to severe. This severity depends on how sensitive the individual is to latex or the amount of latex the individual touches or inhales.
Latex allergy treatment
There is no ultimate cure for latex allergy.
However, there are many options to handle the symptoms.
The first rule with allergic reactions to any material is to remove the cause of the allergy from the patient, and they should never use latex gloves again.
If your reaction to latex is severe, you should consult your healthcare provider.
But if you only develop slight contact dermatitis from latex gloves, we have some simple advice you can easily practice at home.
Here are some effective home remedies and tips for urticaria and hives:
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Cold compresses
It is as simple as it sounds, grab a towel, soak it in cold water, and apply it on the part of the skin affected by hives.
While it is tempting to use ice, please beware that direct contact between ice and skin can be very dangerous. It can cause a burn-like injury. So please stick to just cold water.
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Aloe Vera gel
From sunburn to wound healing, aloe Vera gel has a moisturizing and anti-microbial effect.
A natural hydrating agent that works wonders. Apply a generous layer of aloe Vera gel to the affected area, especially at bedtime.
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Calamine lotion
Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter treatment for many different forms of skin reactions. It soothes itching and decreases inflammation.
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Oatmeal scrub
While the word scrub may sound scary when it comes to inflamed skin.
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and a moisturizing and soothing effect on the skin. Apply Oatmeal on the skin with lukewarm water and gently scrub the affected area of the skin daily. You can also use Oatmeal soap for added value.
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Avoid irritating skin products.
Use soaps and lotions specifically for sensitive skin, and avoid using regular store-bought brands that contain perfumes and alcohol as they dry the skin.
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Avoid coming in contact with irritants.
If you already have hives, avoid wearing tight gloves, avoid deodorants or perfumes, and avoid direct contact with heat and high sunlight.
Be sure to avoid spicy food and alcohol, as studies found that your food can directly impact your allergies, especially spicy food, and alcohol.
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Baking soda
It’s aIt’smon household item, but you may not know that baking soda has a skin-soothing effect.
Mix a little portion of baking soda with lukewarm water forming a paste, then gently rub the paste on your skin. It will work wonders!
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Vinegar swap
Another favorite household item, vinegar, has anti-allergic properties, which help with the itch.
Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with two tablespoons of lukewarm water, then dab the mixture on your rashes with cotton.
The perfect type of vinegar for this condition is apple cider vinegar.
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Green tea
Famous for its wide range of health benefits.
Green tea is packed with antioxidants, proven to help with weight loss, and has antihistamine properties, hence the anti-inflammatory effect.
Drinking green tea three times a day can help with reducing skin inflammation.
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Turmeric powder
It enhances immunity and clears the skin; not only does turmeric powder contribute to that, but it also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Like baking soda, add turmeric powder to lukewarm water forming a paste; apply said paste gently to the affected area, massage it gently, then wash it.
This issue is why people prefer nitrile gloves more than latex gloves, but is that all? What else attracts people to nitrile gloves?
Why use nitrile gloves?
Nitrile gloves are disposable, inexpensive, flexible, and highly protective gloves. Different industries and different fields are really on nitrile gloves.
And they are durable and highly resistant to punctures and harsh chemicals.
Here is your guide to chemical-resistant gloves
Moreover, different tests have proven that the tear resistance of nitrile gloves is four times higher than latex gloves.
Click here to learn more about the difference between nitrile and Latex gloves.
And also, it is much easier to detect holes in nitrile gloves than in Latex gloves.
Last but not least, nitrile gloves come in many colors, sizes, and thicknesses, and there are many different uses for different shades of nitrile gloves.
Why do so many people love using nitrile gloves?
Nitrile gloves offer the perfect alternative for people with a latex allergy, as nitrile gloves do not contain latex, as discussed earlier.
Also, workers in many fields say that nitrile gloves are the most comfortable when wearing them for long hours. They perfectly fit each hand size.
Moreover, nitrile gloves provide a long shelf life. Nitrile gloves show a high shelf life going up to 5 years. That is if you store them under the right conditions.
And also, nitrile gloves are the most suitable for high-sensitivity tasks. Nitrile gloves material is durable and the same time, strong.
Even more, nitrile gloves are waterproof, and they offer high-temperature resistance. They can withstand heat ranging from 40° to 108°F (40° to 226°F).
And last but not least, nitrile gloves offer ten different types that can be reused!
Are nitrile gloves toxic?
After conducting various studies, scientists concluded that nitrile gloves are non-toxic.
The studies assessed cell response after contact with nitrile gloves and extracts, finding that the cells produced no toxins in response.
So not only do nitrile gloves not contain latex, but they are also safe to use.
Nitrile gloves have charming qualities:
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Durability
Nitrile gloves may not be as flexible as latex gloves, but they are more durable, puncture, and tear-resistant. The fact that nitrile gloves do not contain latex makes for the perfect medical gloves.
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Recyclability
Nitrile gloves can be recycled if not contaminated with biohazardous materials or chemicals.
You have to bag them all together and add them to your usual recycling box. Beware that they do not decompose quickly in nature because, unlike latex, they are not from a natural source. That’sThat’se always recommend recycling.
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Perfect fit
For workers constantly using gloves for long hours, finding gloves that fit their hands perfectly is essential.
Gloves that are too large slide around the hand, while gloves that are too tight decrease mobility and become uncomfortable for the wearer.
And for that, nitrile gloves are the best option because they provide a perfect fit for each size. And that is why they are perfect for sensitive motor skills and are used as medical gloves and tattoo gloves.
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Chemical resistance
Nitrile gloves have a high capacity to withstand harsh chemicals. You can use them for a prolonged time, and chemicals won’t won’ty affect them.
Some chemicals and solvents that nitrile gloves provide resistance against are chlorinated solvents like perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene.
They also offer protection against grease, oils, caustic agents, acids, and alcohol.
But beware that these gloves are not resistant to aromatic solvents, ketone, or potent oxidizing agents.
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Chemicals that nitrile gloves protect you against are
Acetic acid, benzalkonium chloride, ethanol, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, paraformaldehyde, phenol, povidone-iodine, sodium hydroxide, and sulphuric acid.
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Long shelf life
If the storage conditions are optimal, nitrile gloves show a high shelf life of up to 5 years, more than we can say about other types of gloves, such as latex gloves that can go up to 3 years only.
Of course, this is not the case in improper storage or the opening of the original packaging.
Moreover, in some cases, nitrile glovesgloves’ life can exceed the five years mark.
To ensure it is still okay to use them, you have to inspect the stretching of the gloves and check for any holes before deeming them safe to use. We strongly recommend using gloves before the expiry date.
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Infection protection
People have been using nitrile gloves since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Scientists found that nitrile gloves have a solid protective barrier against microorganisms; that’sthat’sany hospitals include nitrile gloves as personal protection equipment.
And since nitrile gloves are latex-free, people rely on them more and more for protection without worrying about the risk of an allergic reaction. Doctors use them without fearing causing allergic reactions in their patients while examining them.
- Nitrile gloves protect against incidental and extended contact
Incidental contact
It describes the situation where the glove user might have to come in contact with hazardous materials in minimal doses, such as splashes and spills, for example, when a machine unintentionally over-sprays on the workers. In that case, the gloves the workers use should be able to protect them from such accidents.
Extended contact:
It describes situations where the workers handle hazardous materials with a long-term exposure period, which can be submerging the hands into chemicals or extreme temperature conditions.
Workers prefer nitrile gloves because they offer all the protection needed in these conditions.
That is precisely why different people in different fields use nitrile gloves; you can find nitrile in medical grade gloves, dentists gloves, tattoo gloves, food preparation gloves, and even industrial gloves.
Conclusion
An allergic reaction to a substance can cause anything from significant discomfort to serious health issues.
Individuals should be aware of whatever they use and put on their bodies. Also, different workers in different fields that involve dealing with other individuals should be responsible for the people they have to deal with and the risk they may pose to them by accidentally causing allergic reactions they were unaware of.
And to comfort you, we discussed that nitrile gloves do not contain latex, so they do not threaten allergic individuals. Also, we mentioned all the possible home treatments for contact dermatitis.
We hope it was a useful guide for you, and as always, stay safe and ask us any questions you want in the comments.
