What is Nitrile gloves made from?
Nitrile gloves are manufactured using nitrile a synthetic material called butadiene rubber. This makes them a great alternative for latex gloves and thus helping people who suffer with latex allergies. As vinyl gloves, nitrile is synthetic and therefore will have a longer expiry date than latex gloves. More resistant to punctures than latex the nitrile gloves produced today offer more flexibility and are as nearly as stretchy as latex gloves, but nitrile gloves can tear more easily than latex if they do become punctured.
Nitrile gloves - what are they used for?
Nitrile gloves are the most common type of sought after gloves currently and are used for a large number of different reasons. Depending on certification of manufacture, usually confirmed in the gloves product description and manufacturing specifications, they can be used for the following.
- Food hygiene.
- Tattooing and Piercing
- Protection against soiling and low hazard chemicals.
- If the nitrile gloves have EN455 certification - and are therefore registered as a Class 1 Medical Device - they can be used patient care. It's important to note that the gloves need to be changed following each procedure and each patient to prevent cross contamination.
- Hairdressing
- DIY jobs such as painting and decorating.
- Car and vehicle maintenance
Nitrile and can you be allergic to Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile gloves are produced using chemical accelerators. These accelerators assist in making the material more durable and of late more flexible. However, as with any chemical, allergies can occur resulting in red, dry itchy irritated skin (contact dermatitis) to more severe allergic reactions for some (which are extremely rare) like anaphylaxis. In the case of any reaction, it is recommended you seek an alternative type of glove and discard nitrile gloves,