A Guide To Buying Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are increasingly popular and companies such as buygloves.com have seen a notable uptick in interest and purchasing patterns in recent years.

So, why is this the case?

We discussed the pros and cons and the industries that are using gloves made of nitrile with the team at https://buygloves.com and have used this info to craft the content below.

Pros of Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves have gained significant attention in various industries due to their notable benefits. Here's a comprehensive summary of the advantages of using nitrile gloves:

Latex-Free: Nitrile gloves are 100-percent latex free, addressing the issue of allergic reactions that some people face when wearing latex gloves. This makes them a safer choice for those who are allergic to latex, ensuring that the wearers do not suffer from allergic skin reactions, which can be a significant health risk, especially in a work setting when needing to wear latex free gloves.
Puncture and Tear Resistant: Nitrile gloves provide 3-4 times more puncture resistance than latex, making them exceptionally robust. They offer protection against physical injuries like cuts, bruises, and piercings that can occur during work. This high puncture resistance makes them especially crucial for professions that deal with potential contaminants or sharp objects, such as medical practitioners and tattoo artists.
Chemical and Waterproof: Nitrile gloves are both waterproof and provide superior chemical resistance. They are more resilient than latex and vinyl gloves when it comes to keeping corrosive chemicals away from the skin. This feature is vital in high-risk work environments where individuals are exposed to harsh chemicals. Furthermore, the nitrile rubber used in these gloves offers better resistance to chemicals, acids, and oils compared to natural rubber.
Long Shelf-Life: Nitrile gloves have a longer shelf-life expectancy compared to latex, making them durable in storage for an extended period without wear and tear.
Fit and Comfort: They offer a snug fit ensuring optimal dexterity, which reduces hand fatigue during prolonged wear. This snug fit combined with a non-slip grip allows users to handle objects efficiently, even in wet conditions.
Eco-Friendly: Nitrile gloves are produced from synthetic materials, which means their production results in fewer toxins and utilizes fewer natural resources than latex gloves, making them a more environmentally friendly choice for those wearing gloves.

7. Industries That Trust Nitrile Gloves: Several industries have recognized the benefits of nitrile gloves:

Healthcare professionals use them for medical examinations, surgeries, and laboratory work because of their chemical and puncture-resistant properties.
The food service industry values them for preventing cross-contamination and providing protection against acidic or oily substances.
Automotive professionals choose nitrile gloves for their chemical resistance and grip when dealing with automotive fluids.
Janitorial and cleaning services appreciate the gloves' resistance to chemicals and punctures.
Workers in industrial manufacturing prefer heavy-duty nitrile gloves for their durability and resistance

In conclusion, nitrile gloves stand out as a preferred choice in protective wear due to their exceptional protective qualities, comfort, durability, and adaptability across various industries. They provide users with essential safety, especially in environments that involve potential hazards.

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Cons of Nitrile Gloves

The disadvantages of gloves, based on the provided information, are:

Chemical Restrictions: Nitrile gloves cannot be used with certain chemicals, including:

Ketones.
Oxidizing acids.
Organic compounds containing nitrogen.

Biodegradability: Traditional gloves do not naturally biodegrade. Though it should be noted that some biodegradable versions of gloves are now being produced.

Cost: Nitrile gloves are more expensive than latex gloves.

Tactility: They are less tactile than latex gloves, making it harder to feel objects as easily.

Additionally, while not a direct disadvantage of gloves, it's important to note that there might be certain situations or individuals for whom latex gloves are a better fit. For instance, some people might be allergic to nitrile, and in such cases, alternative gloves like latex might be recommended. However, many choose nitrile gloves to avoid the allergies associated with latex

Nitrile Gloves: A Dive into Key Industries of Use

Nitrile gloves, a synthetic rubber product, have seen a significant rise in demand and popularity, primarily due to their robust characteristics. They offer a high resistance to alkalis, acids, and chemical solvents, making them a preferred choice across various industries. Below, we'll delve into the primary sectors where gloves are commonly utilized based on the information provided:

Chemical Industry

The global chemicals industry, which was valued at over USD 4.25 trillion in 2020, sees a widespread use of nitrile gloves[1]. Their high resistance to various chemicals, including alkalis and acids, makes them ideal for individuals handling potent chemical solutions, ensuring safety and preventing cross-contamination.

Healthcare and Medical Field

Nitrile gloves have found high preference among medical professionals. There are both powdered and powder-free versions of these gloves. The powdered segment, which uses cornstarch to prevent sticking and assist in easy wearing, was valued at over USD 6 billion in 2022[1]. Their effectiveness, efficiency, and easy application make them suitable for various medical tasks.
Moreover, the Aurelia Bold Medical Grade Nitrile Gloves are particularly popular within the healthcare realm. These gloves not only offer protection against contamination, chemicals, and liquids but are also medically certified, making them a preferred choice in health industries.

Industrial Sector

The industrial-grade nitrile gloves market segment is projected to surpass USD 8.5 billion in revenue by 2032. These gloves are notable for their durability, comfort, flexibility, and resistance to harsh chemicals. This makes them apt for a plethora of industrial applications, ranging from handling raw materials to machinery operation. Emphasis on employee protection and safety also boosts their demand in this sector.

Automotive, Oil & Gas, and Construction

Nitrile gloves find use in various other industries like automotive, oil & gas, and construction due to their resistant nature and protective qualities. For instance, the Black Mamba Disposable Nitrile Gloves are tailored for industries like mechanics and engineering, as they provide a high level of grip, strength, and oil resistance.

Food Industry

In the realm of food handling and processing, nitrile gloves ensure that products remain uncontaminated, maintaining food safety standards. Their resistance to oils and other food-related substances makes them a top choice.

Pharmaceuticals

With the pharmaceutical industry emphasizing stringent health and safety norms, particularly in medication and medicine handling, the use of nitrile gloves is inevitable.

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How to Choose a Supplier of Nitrile Gloves

Choosing a gloves supplier requires careful consideration of various factors, including quality, cost, and the specific needs of your industry. Here's a comprehensive guide based on the provided information:

1. Understand the Benefits of Nitrile Gloves:

Nitrile gloves have become popular due to their synthetic material, which offers superior strength, chemical resistance, oil resistance, and comes with the same sensitivity and flexibility expected from disposable gloves.
They have more resistance to punctures than latex and can withstand temperatures of -40°C to 108°C without melting.
For those with latex allergies, latex free gloves made of nitrile are an excellent choice as they do not contain natural rubber latex.

2. Pricing and Quality:

Nitrile glove prices stabilized after a spike in 2020 due to a drop in raw material and production costs. The prices are expected to plateau in 2023.
Beware of poor-quality gloves that have flooded the market, especially post-pandemic. These can lead to issues like glove ripping and poor performance. It's essential to avoid purchasing gloves purely based on cost savings, as poor quality could lead to contamination risks and other safety concerns.

3. Determine Your Specific Needs:

Medical vs. Industrial Grade: If you're in the medical field and need protection from bloodborne pathogens or environmental contaminants, you should opt for medical-grade nitrile gloves. If you're in the janitorial, food, automotive, or related industries, industrial-grade nitrile gloves would be more suitable.
Allergy Considerations: Nitrile gloves are beneficial for type I latex allergy sufferers. Some gloves are also manufactured without accelerators, ideal for type IV allergy sufferers (Allergic Contact Dermatitis).

4. Ethical and Sustainable Suppliers:

Consider suppliers like Eagle Protect, which ensures gloves meet high quality specifications and are produced sustainably and ethically. They also focus on protecting businesses through factory visits, independent audits, and lab glove testing

5. Recycling and Disposal:

Most nitrile exam gloves are not recyclable, but their packaging usually is. Some brands offer recycling services for their gloves. Ensure you dispose of gloves in an environmentally-friendly manner if recycling is not an option.

Lastly, always consider customer reviews, feedback, and independent testing reports when selecting a supplier.

Different Types of Gloves

You don’t have to rely solely on gloves made from nitrile for your efforts and there are many other options for those looking for gloves for medical use, that need textured fingertips or otherwise. Two of the most common alternatives are below.

Vinyl Gloves Overview

Vinyl gloves are a type of synthetic disposable glove made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). They are commonly used in various industries, especially where flexibility and ease of use are required. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of vinyl gloves based on the provided information:

Composition and Manufacturing:

o Made from PVC, a synthetic material, which is mixed with a plasticizer to increase flexibility and wearability

o Unlike nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves do not contain chemical accelerators

Benefits:

o Latex-Free: Ideal for those who have a latex

o Allergy Safe: Besides being latex-free, being devoid of chemical accelerators makes vinyl gloves safe for those with Type I and Type IV allergies. Such allergies can cause skin irritation, rashes, blisters, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock

o Cost-Effective: They are generally a less expensive option, making them attractive for low-risk duties and frequent short-term use

o Protection: Vinyl gloves offer protection against low-risk chemicals like detergents and other cleaning materials, body fluids, laundry liquids, powders, and more .

o Easy to Use: They come lightly coated in powder such as cornstarch, which makes them easy to put on and remove

o Anti-Static Nature: Useful when working with wires and cords since stripping back sheaths on cords can cause static. They protect hands from chafing

Applications:

o Food Industry: Vinyl gloves are often used for non-fatty food preparation. They are safe for contact with food except for oily or fatty foods.

o Healthcare: Can be used for low-risk healthcare tasks, but for high-risk tasks such as surgery, first aid etc other gloves like nitrile might be preferred due to higher durability and elasticity.

o Cleaning and Care: Suitable for low-risk cleaning tasks.

o Other Industries: Vinyl gloves are used in chemical and oil industries, painting, and even in the food handling sector. They protect against oily substances, acid, emulsions, and help minimize cross-contamination in food preparation. Also, they're beneficial in tasks like stripping back sheaths on cords due to their anti-static nature

Limitations:

o Durability: Vinyl gloves are typically less durable than latex or nitrile gloves and are used for shorter periods. They might not be as form-fitting as other gloves and can shift on the hands.

o Elasticity: They provide lower elasticity in comparison to gloves like nitrile, and thus might not be suitable for tasks that require high durability and pressure resistance.

In conclusion, vinyl gloves are a versatile, cost-effective choice for various industries, especially where short-term, low-risk tasks are performed. Their benefits, such as being latex-free, make them a suitable choice for individuals with specific allergies. However, their limited durability and elasticity compared to other gloves like nitrile mean they might not be the first choice for high-risk or high-pressure tasks

Buy Vinyl Gloves here

Latex Gloves

Latex is a natural material derived from the Hevea brasiliensis or ‘rubber tree’. Latex offers high elasticity, which makes it ideal for various applications. It was first used in gloves in the late 1800s and now is found in numerous household and industrial products including gloves, tires, condoms, surgical equipment, and more

Benefits of Disposable Latex Gloves:

Elasticity and Protective Qualities: Latex gloves fit snugly, offering high dexterity while being thin.
Resistance: They are resistant to tearing and protect against hazards, including biohazards like pathogens (bacteria and viruses), and certain chemicals.
Comfort: Many users find latex gloves to be the most comfortable disposable glove material due to their snug fit and ‘second skin’ feel. They are perfect for tasks requiring a high degree of touch sensitivity.
Biodegradability: Being natural, latex gloves are more biodegradable than synthetic gloves.
Versatility: They are used across various industries for a myriad of applications

Importance in Workplace Safety:

They keep workplaces, materials, and surfaces sanitary and free from contamination.
Latex gloves offer effective protection for hands and wrists against detergents, alcohols, biohazards like viruses and bacteria, bodily fluids, abrasive materials, and more.
They come in various options including different cuff lengths, beaded cuffs, textured grips, color variations, powdered and powder-free varieties, and more

Latex Examination Gloves:

Widely used in the medical and healthcare fields.
Offer protection against biological and chemical hazards. Ideal for medical examinations, dentistry, care work, and veterinary work.
They provide high dexterity, touch sensitivity, and flexibility.
They offer excellent tear resistance, puncture resistance, and protection against caustics and detergents.
They are also used in other industries like cleaning, aerospace, engineering, chemical manufacturing, and electronics].

Historical Perspective:

Latex gloves were invented in 1889 by William Stewart Halsted, the first chief of surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, to protect medical staff from dermatitis caused by medical chemicals.
Now they are synonymous with the medical industry and provide protection from bloodborne pathogens and environmental contaminants.
Latex gloves offer natural chemical resistance against most acids, bases, chlorine, iodine, and formaldehyde.
Latex gloves have better puncture resistance than vinyl gloves and are balanced in terms of price and performance.

Concerns and Alternatives:

Between 1% and 6% of the population might be sensitive to latex, which can cause allergies, especially in people who are regularly in contact with latex products.
Modern manufacturing techniques have developed low-protein and powder-free formulas to reduce the risk of Type I and Type IV sensitization, significantly lowering the risk of allergic reactions.
When latex allergies are a concern, nitrile or vinyl gloves serve as suitable latex-free alternatives

. If interested you buy Latex Gloves at BuyGloves.com

FAQS ABOUT NITRILE GLOVES.

Nitrile gloves are one of the most used kinds of gloves in several industries because of their durability, strength and puncture resistance.

Based on what you know about Nitrile Gloves, let's look at some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) you need to know about them.

We've curated 10 of these FAQs to provide you with more information:

1. What are Nitrile gloves made from?

They are produced using nitrile, which is a synthetic material that is extracted from butadiene rubber. They are best for people who have latex allergies.

2. What are the common uses for nitrile gloves?

Nitrile gloves are used in various industries for purposes ranging from ensuring food hygiene, tattooing and piercing, protection against low-hazard chemicals, and hairdressing.

In fact, they are also used for DIY tasks like painting and decorating, car maintenance, and patient care if they have EN455 certification.

3. Can one be allergic to Nitrile Gloves?

Yes, it is possible for a person to be allergic to these gloves even though it is an alternative to latex gloves.

Nitrile gloves were manufactured with chemical accelerators, which means they can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Examples of these reaction ranges from dermatitis to more severe reactions like anaphylaxis, though the latter is extremely rare.

4. Do nitrile gloves cause cancer?

Some of the accelerators like Mercaptobenzothiazole that are used in producing these gloves have been thought to be carcinogenic. That is why it is best you choose a nitrile glove that doesn't have an accelerator to avoid such fear.

5. Are nitrile gloves waterproof?

They are always waterproof, oil-proof, grease-proof, chemical-proof, and heat-proof. In fact, they offer a high level of protection for the skin, which is why they are popular with most industries.

6. How safe are nitrile gloves for body use?

For individuals with sensitive skin, using these gloves is an excellent choice. You can also try out the latex-free and accelerator-free gloves can to reduce the risk of allergies. They come in a variety of sizes - small to x large and in sterile and non sterile varieties.

7. Are nitrile gloves food safe?

According to the Australian Food Standards, these gloves are safe in food. But not all the kinds of Nitrile Gloves are HACCP Certified Food Safe, so it's best you verify the type you're buying if you'll using it for food.

8. Are nitrile gloves recyclable?

Thankfully, these gloves are recycled in Australia using a special recycling bin and partnering with a company like buygloves.com.

9. Are nitrile gloves hypoallergenic?

Compare to latex gloves, these gloves have a lower allergy rate which makes them a safe choice for people with allergies or sensitive skin.

10. Which is better for mechanics: nitrile or latex gloves?

You should go use these gloves if you're a mechanic because they are strong, chemically resistant and also have a high resistance to puncture. You can try out the Black gloves.

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.