When it comes to infection control and PPE (personal protective equipment), nitrile is often presented as the gold standard disposable glove material. But there are times, both for infection control and in other scenarios, where latex may be the preferable choice. In this instance, using powder-free latex gloves could be your best option.
Key Points
- Latex gloves are widely used in healthcare and food service, and powder-free latex gloves are preferred as they do not carry the contamination risk that powdered disposable gloves do.
- Latex gloves offer several distinct advantages, including high elasticity, a great fit, tactile sensitivity, comfort, and precision.
- Purchasing powder-free latex gloves from a reputable online distributor such as Adam Dental Supplies in Australia is a great way to access high-quality products from leading brands and at great prices.
Latex versus Nitrile
Latex is natural rubber; it is extremely stretchy and soft to the touch.
Nitrile is a chemically produced synthetic rubber.
Latex gloves are commonly used in healthcare facilities and the foodservice industry. In most cases, using powder-free latex gloves is preferred due to the risk of contamination that powdered gloves carry.
While nitrile offers specific advantages as a glove material for several applications (including medical and surgical), latex outperforms nitrile in terms of comfort, fit, tactile sensitivity, precision, and elasticity. For this reason, many healthcare practitioners prefer to use latex disposable gloves in the workplace.
Why Choose Latex Gloves?
- Chemical-resistance: while not as high-performing in this metric as nitrile, latex gloves are chemically resistant against mild chemicals such as chlorine, formaldehyde, iodine, most acids, and most alkalis. They are moderately puncture-resistant and are available in heavy-duty options for industrial applications.
- Medically-approved: latex gloves are approved for medical use and offer a high level of protection against environmental contaminants and bloodborne pathogens.
- Comfort and fit: even thicker, industrial-grade latex gloves are comfortable and offer an exceptional fit. This is so impressive that wearing latex gloves feels like wearing a second skin.
- Elasticity: elasticity is important, and this is one area where latex outperforms nitrile; it is incredibly flexible. This property helps improve tactile sensitivity and minimizes hand fatigue during use. They are, at the same time, very durable.
- Versatility: latex gloves are suitable for use across many industries, including healthcare, hospitality, hairdressing, food processing and service, janitorial services, sanitation, manufacturing, automotive, and others.
Limitations of Latex Gloves
When making a choice between latex and nitrile for disposable gloves, there are some areas where nitrile objectively outperforms latex. Latex carries an allergy risk in persons who are allergic or sensitive to natural rubber.
Cost and Sustainability
Latex gloves are a cost-efficient option for businesses and other entities to avail themselves of. They are also biodegradable and an eco-friendly alternative (as a synthetic material, nitrile is not as easily biodegradable and has a longer landfill life cycle).
Conclusion
Latex gloves are a great choice for applications requiring a comfortable fit, excellent tactile sensitivity and precision, long-wear, high elasticity, moderate chemical and puncture resistance, and eco-friendliness. Sourced responsibly, they are a wise and cost-efficient choice.
