Latex gloves are used for almost endless applications today. First created in the late 1800s, they are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for many industries. From the health sector to hairdressing, food processing and everything in between, latex gloves have become a vital part of working life.
Despite having been around for more than 100 years, they are as important in the 21st century as they were when leading surgeon William Stewart Halsted invented them in 1889.
History of latex gloves
Halsted was the first chief of surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, when he came up with the idea of wearing rubber gloves.
Initially, they were not aimed at patient hygiene, but were used to protect the hands of surgeons and other medical staff from the harmful effects of chemicals in the operating theatre. Yale graduate Halsted noticed theatre assistant and scrub nurse Caroline Hampton was suffering from painful dermatitis and eczema as a result of the antiseptics she came into contact with during her working day.
She reportedly told him she was considering resigning because her hands were so sore. Not wishing to lose her, he contacted Goodyear Rubber Company and commissioned them to make bespoke latex gloves for the nurse. The gloves proved so successful that they were rolled out for other medical staff. Caroline later became Halsted's wife.
While latex gloves weren't originally used for sanitary reasons, they also dramatically increased the cleanliness of operations. Halsted soon realised the gloves were sterile, so they protected patients from any bacteria that may remain on the surgeon’s hands, even though he had scrubbed them and used antiseptic.
He said when he treated the patients' wounds during surgery, wearing gloves meant he could be absolutely certain he wasn't introducing harmful bacteria.
What are latex gloves used for today?
There are many latex glove uses today in different industries right across the board. They are still widely relied on in the medical and healthcare sector all over the world.
They are also vital to the hair and beauty industry, so hairdressers can avoid irritated skin due to the chemicals involved in hair colouring and perming.
Latex gloves are used for food handling and preparation, in the janitorial sector, by tattooists and piercers and by hospitality and leisure workers, to name but a few.
Other industries that rely on latex gloves include the police, fishing vessels, veterinary practices and other people who work with animals, such as kennels and catteries.
Why choose latex gloves?
Latex gloves fit tightly around the hand and are thin enough to make them easy to wear, with a high degree of dexterity. Many users believe latex gloves are the most comfortable material available - they fit like a "second skin", enabling users to carry out intricate tasks where touch sensitivity is vital.
Made from a natural material, they are more easily biodegradable than synthetic gloves. One of the most popular types of protective gloves today, they are resistant to tearing and extremely elastic. They offer protection against multiple workplace hazards including bacteria, viruses, biohazards such as pathogens and certain chemicals.
Incredibly versatile, they can be used for a wide range of applications throughout numerous industries. They keep the workplace sanitary and prevent contamination, while also protecting the employees themselves.
1. Latex gloves for medical use
In a medical environment, latex gloves protect the health of staff and patients in a setting where cleanliness and hygiene are of the utmost importance.
Latex gloves used in hospitals comply with the stringent quality standards required in healthcare facilities. They can be worn by doctors, nurses, dentists and other health professionals in all medical establishments.
2. Food preparation
Can latex gloves be used in food preparation? Oh, yes, they most certainly can. Food preparation and handling is one sector where the appropriate hygiene practices are essential.
Maintaining a clean environment and using equipment that's safe around food protects the health of staff and customers and reflects a professional industry standard. People who handle food must adhere to a strict routine of hand washing, wearing gloves and aprons and avoiding cross-contamination of different products.
3. Hair and beauty
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 protect people in the UK hair and beauty sector. The law stipulates that the relevant precautions must be followed to protect workers against harm from hazardous substances.
In the hairdressing sector, chemicals used in hair dyes, perming solutions and salon cleaning products can cause hands to become sore. Precautions must be taken by law to minimise the risks, including wearing latex gloves.
4. Janitorial sector
Whether in an office, kitchen, or washroom setting, the correct janitorial supplies are indispensable.
Rubber gloves are commonly worn for cleaning to protect staff from getting sore hands due to the chemical products and also to stop the spread of germs and bacteria. This helps to reduce the risks of illness, while the appropriate PPE also promotes a hygienic and presentable image to fellow employees and visitors.
5. Fishing industry
Workers in the fishing industry are often at sea, working in rough conditions, for long periods of time. Personal safety is crucial and wearing rubber gloves can provide a layer of protection against scrapes and cuts when handling machinery and fishing equipment.
Latex gloves also provide an improved grip on slippery surfaces and will protect the wearer against chemicals, bacteria and pathogens. They protect the hands from skin conditions that can be caused from working continually in a cold, wet environment.
Important medical breakthrough
Latex gloves provide a higher level of protection against a broad range of hazards compared with gloves made from other materials. Latex also offers a high level of strength and is less prone to tears and punctures, while providing a snug fit and greater elasticity.
More comfortable for extended use, they enable superior dexterity. The use of latex gloves in surgery has been described by some health professionals as the "most important breakthrough" in medical history.