Fact Sheet: Disposable Nitrile Gloves in Chemical Labs | PennEHRS

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Nitrile gloves have proven over time to be the most suitable and ultimately the best in most practices, notably in the healthcare sector. Why is that? We endeavour to find out.

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What is Nitrile?

Nitrile is a compound which in fact originates from rubber trees. The result comes with the introduction of an additional process in the materials manufacturing. This initial introduction made costs increase accordingly, however since then the prices have been on par, if not better, than latex gloves.

Latex being a natural material derived directly from rubber trees, the manufacturing process does not take out the natural proteins. These proteins are the factor directly responsible for most latex-related allergies. In most cases, this would appear as a rash or minor irritation of the skin up to 48 hours later, however some cases can experience more severe symptoms.

The difference with nitrile, is that chemical reactions take place which bind two primary materials: acrylonitrile and butadiene. The nitrile glove material is produced as a copolymer of these two materials. Its properties are so much better than most other gloves: up to three times more puncture-resistant, superior acid, oil and chemical resistance, mostly allergen-free.

The end result in the manufacturing process is that a polymer is produced which is free from any latex proteins, and stronger than vinyl or latex gloves. The material is so good, in fact, that it is used in many aeronautical applications due to its high operation temperature range.

Why use nitrile?

Its properties are highly appropriate for healthcare applications. By comparison, latex potentiates a relatively high likelihood of allergies, due to its being a natural material. By further comparison, vinyl is hard, untactile and is slippery. Nitrile is—in—short everything that alternatives are not.

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These properties in other materials are hard to reach because they ultimately will sacrifice one other property or another. Nitrile gloves provide all the qualities in one glove, retain their shelf life, and provide ultimate durability.

Nitrile gloves also provide another special quality – superior chemical resistance. In many medical applications – for example chemotherapy – the user needs ultimate protection while retaining usability. This can only be made possible with this protection where vinyl and latex would simply dissolve or corrode.

Are nitrile suitable for all applications?

Basically. Nitrile is used even by mechanics, where the grip is needed when smeared with oils and lubricants.

However, there are situations where other options make more sense. In food handling situations, the most common glove is a vinyl or polyethylene glove. These, particularly polyethylene, are very inexpensive, and the application is only to prevent contamination. Therefore, durability, grip and tactility are not required for effective use. Similarly, latex gloves due to their softness and low cost are used commonly in cleaning applications where a simple barrier to undesirable material is what is needed. The difference is – nitrile gloves are suitable for all these applications.

How to buy Nitrile Gloves

Get in touch with the team at Westlab Health. Our core mantra to Consult, Create and Coordinate will govern the fact that we offer a complete and hassle-free experience. Our focus on locally manufactured products and supporting local employment means we can dedicate stock to you to ensure you receive supply guarantee and certainty.

The company is the world’s best white nitrile gloves supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.