2023-10-09 18:00:19
Disposable gloves offer protection against infectious or chemical contaminants. But do you know the difference between nitrile, vinyl and latex? Here we tell you.
Last update: October 9, 2023
The use of gloves has become standard practice to ensure a hygienic and safe environment. These play an important role in protecting our handsas well as in the prevention of the transmission of microorganisms to humans.
There is a wide variety on the market. The materials used in its manufacture changeoffering their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the context in which they are used.
In this article we will show you the three types of gloves: nitrile, vinyl and latex. In addition, we will see their characteristics, differences and which one to prefer depending on the case.
Nitrile gloves
They are the most robust and safe. They are made from a synthetic compound, free of latex and dust, which is ideal for people with allergies or delicate and sensitive skin. They are characterized by their resistance to perforation, in addition to withstanding oils, solvents and acids.
They are molded to the contour of the hand, They have good tactile sensitivity and a solid grip. They are recommended for jobs in which there is contact with substances that could be dangerous, such as in healthcare, industrial or cleaning sectors of large establishments. They are also suitable for handling food, without affecting its taste or smell.
The main feature is multifunction, which positions them as a choice for a wide range of applications. Although its price and environmental impact are factors that require consideration.
vinyl gloves
They are made using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic material. They are known for being an economical option, although less elastic compared to latex or nitrile gloves. They have a transparent tone that makes it easy to observe the condition of your hands.
Useful for short and less rigorous tasks, They are used in domestic, aesthetic or food-related environments. They offer acceptable resistance to humidity, detergents or alcohols.
Among their disadvantages is the fact that they have lower strength and flexibility, which results in frequent tears. Despite their limitations, they are ideal for less demanding activities, giving protection while maintaining cost.
Latex gloves
They are made from natural rubber and They are used for protection against infections and certain chemicals. They are frequently seen in the medical field, in laboratories and the food industry.
However, they can cause allergies in some people, since there is a condition of sensitivity to latex. To solve this, the industry offers the options that we already saw, nitrile or vinyl gloves.
Although reactions to latex are almost always mild (irritation and itching of the hands), there can be more serious cases. Hives, clinical symptoms of asthma and even anaphylaxis have been reported.
They remain an option for situations requiring protection against contamination. They are not ideal for handling powerful chemicals.
What type of glove to choose in each situation?
Each glove has its pros and cons. The choice will depend on the use that is going to be given to it, the characteristics of the user and the environment.
For home use, either type of glove may be suitable in the home. In any case, some aspects to take into account are the following:
Duration and frequency: If it is a short-term use, vinyl is sufficient.
Latex allergy: In this case, with a known sensitivity, it would be best to opt for vinyl or nitrile.
Cost: Vinyl is the most affordable material in economic terms, although it offers less protection and security.
Touch sensitivity: If high touch sensitivity is required for handling, latex gloves are the appropriate option.
Chemical and puncture resistance: It is advisable to use nitrile gloves when handling chemicals, especially in cleaning tasks that involve powerful substances.
Healthcare sector
The medical field requires very precise protective measures and a firm grip to carry out surgical procedures effectively. For it, Skin-friendly, powder-free nitrile gloves minimize chances of irritations or adverse reactions.
Gloves made of latex are not advisable for the medical sector, due to their low resistance and flexibility, which results in tears. However, they are the most used in routine actions, such as basic checks, due to their tact.
Sector industrial
This area is another of the most demanding and risky in terms of manipulation. High protection against chemical or physical agents is requiredsuch as oils, solvents, acids, cuts or abrasions.
In this sector, nitrile gloves are used to prevent perforation. They are very strong and can resist chemicals. They provide a proper fit and give a firm grip, making it easier to manipulate objects.
There are other options, such as latex, that can be used in the industrial environment, as long as some specific allergies do not occur. They offer elasticity and adapt well to the shape of the hand, although they cannot be used in risky tasks, since they show less resistance compared to those made of nitrile and can deteriorate quickly.
Food sector
The food industry is regulated and supervised when it comes to the use of disposable hand protection. Requires a high level of hygiene and safety to prevent contamination. In this sector, all three types of disposable gloves can be used, as long as they comply with health standards.
Nitrile is appropriate due to its allergy-free and dust-free nature. It is ideal for moisture and certain chemicals, such as detergents or alcohols, making it suitable for handling greasy foods without compromising their integrity.
Protect your hands with the right gloves
Disposable gloves are useful and necessary to protect hands and prevent infections or food poisoning. Not all of them are the same and you have to know how to choose the type according to the case. Remember that the most important thing is to take care of your health and that of others, always maintaining caution and protection as your main allies.
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All cited sources were reviewed in depth by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, validity and validity. The bibliography in this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Hernández Orellana, AJR (2016). Comparison of biodegradation rate in the field between latex, nitrile and biodegradable nitrile gloves [Tesis Doctoral]. University of the Valley of Guatemala. https://repositorio.uvg.edu.gt/handle/123456789/3030Jiménez Vallejo, IT (2022). Prevention of pathogen transmission through the use of new, non-sterile latex and nitrile gloves [Bachelor’s thesis]. Notional University of Chimborazo. http://dspace.unach.edu.ec/handle/51000/9871Leonard Alas, R.E. (2015). Analysis of the factors that influence the chlorination process cycle in the manufacture of nitrile latex gloves [Tesis Doctoral]University of San Carlos of Guatemala. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/35293695.pdfLeyva León, JS (2021). Analysis of the surface microhardness of a nanoparticulate composite resin manipulated with latex and nitrile gloves. [Tesis de Grado]. Federico Villarreal National University. https://renati.sunedu.gob.pe/handle/sunedu/3289435Martinez Ortiz , P. , & Velez Vilorio , M. (2016). Comparative analysis of permeability between latex gloves and nitrile gloves in the dental clinic Drs. René Puig Bentz of the National University of Pedro Henríquez Ureña. [Tesis de Grado]. Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University
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