Applications for Nitrile Gloves

Many experts prefer nitrile gloves for applications that involve hazardous contaminants, infection risks, chemicals, hot oils or extreme temperatures. Nitrile rubber is currently the most popular material in the healthcare industry for examination gloves, though nitrile gloves also work in other sectors.

Industries that use nitrile gloves for PPE include healthcare, automotive, food services, aesthetic services and more.

Nitrile Glove Specifications

itrile gloves intended for protective purposes must comply with various specifications for safety and effectiveness. Workplaces need to supply properly tested and certified products to their staff members. Evaluate the usability of each glove type to determine which material will best suit your working requirements.

How Do Nitrile Gloves Differ From Latex Gloves?

Nitrile gloves and latex gloves are the most comparable options for medical and industrial applications. Unlike nitrile, a synthetic rubber polymer, latex is a natural rubber — meaning that latex gloves are a biodegradable, renewable resource. Common uses for nitrile and latex include personal protection for general industry and healthcare applications. While latex remains a popular choice for surgical gloves, nitrile rubber is a favorite for medical examination gloves.

This distinction between applications is primarily due to the associated risk levels for a Type 1 allergic reaction from both wearers and patients. Nitrile rubber offers no chance of latex allergies — an aversion many people have. More states are taking legal precautions against latex use in specific industries. Due to its comparable sensitivity, durability and barrier protection to latex, nitrile has become the go-to alternative for general purpose and exam gloves.