Is nitrile gloves the same as latex gloves?
Although both latex gloves and nitrile gloves are made from rubber, nitrile gloves do not contain some proteins that are found in latex gloves.
This, therefore makes the nitrile gloves to be safer to use as compared to latex gloves which may cause allergies to people with latex allergies.
What are Latex Gloves?
Latex gloves are gloves that are made from natural rubber that fits comfortably and protects from bacteria and viruses
PROS of Latex Gloves
- Latex gloves fit comfortably and feel like a second skin thus the tactile sensitivity. The fact that they are sensitive, makes them valuable for use in hospitals eg for surgery cases.
- Latex gloves are slightly powdered thus making them easy to remove and put on.
- They are also very elastic.
CONS OF THE LATEX GLOVES
- Since the latex gloves are slightly powdered, they may cause allergies to some people and may not be highly recommended.
- Also due to their ability to form a second like skin and color, it may be difficult for you to detect punctures and tears
What are Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile gloves are gloves that are made from synthetic rubber that are resistant to tear and puncture
PROS of Nitrile Gloves.
- Nitrile gloves are very durable and strong and thus resistant to tears and punctures.
- The nitrile gloves come in various colors and this makes them be easily visible in case of tears.
- Nitrile gloves are also highly resistant to solvents and chemicals
- Since they do not contain any latex, they are highly recommended as they are safe for people with latex allergies.
- This is very beneficial as there are some latex allergic reactions that can even lead to death. A good example is anaphylaxis
CONS of Nitrile Gloves
- Nitrile Gloves are a bit more expensive compared to latex gloves
- Nitrile gloves are not as comfortable as latex gloves. This means that they may be tiresome to use while working for long hours
- Nitrile gloves have less tensile strength as compared to latex gloves. Tensile strength is the load that an object/material can tolerate before it breaks or cracks.
When should you use latex gloves vs nitrile gloves
Before making any decision on the type of glove to use, it is ideal to consider the intended purpose or where you are going to use the glove.
However, both gloves are used in similar areas although there are some exceptions. Latex gloves are ideal for general usages such as dishwashing and medical examinations.
When it comes to the handling of food, latex gloves are not recommended as they contain some powder that may contaminate the food. Also, they contain latex which is allergic to some people. Due to their high sensitivity, latex gloves are recommended for use in the health settings such as surgery and dentistry.
In the case of nitrile gloves, they can be used for both general purposes (such as dishwashing& medical examination) and in food preparation. Nitrile gloves are highly recommended due to the fact that they are powder-free and latex free. This gives them an edge a competitive advantage over the nitrile gloves.
What are vinyl gloves?
Vinyl gloves are commonly used as alternatives to latex gloves as they do not contain the compound latex that is allergic to some people.
One of the advantages of vinyl gloves is that they have a loose fitting. This advantage also has a drawback in that if the glove fits loosely then this may interfere with the glove’s level of protection and tactile sensitivity.
Vinyl gloves are cant be used in healthcare settings as they are permeable to some viruses in fluids and thus pose a risk of one been into contact with blood and bodily fluids
Contact us and get advice on the right nitrile glove or latex glove suitable for your environment.
Visit our physical store located along Accra Rd, Junction Trade Center, 7th Floor, Rm 704. or email us at info@safetyhub.co.ke.
