Fact Sheet: Disposable Nitrile Gloves in Chemical Labs

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Note:  For the purpose of this Fact Sheet, the term "disposable nitrile gloves" refers to gloves that are one-time use and have a thickness of 5-mil and less.  Examples are given in the tables at the end of the fact sheet.

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber material that offers chemical and abrasion resistance and is a very good general-duty material for gloves. 

Thin, disposable, nitrile gloves are the most common gloves used when handling chemicals in laboratories; however, it is important to remember that thin nitrile rubber provides only limited chemical protection.  These gloves are intended to be used only as a physical barrier against brief contact with chemicals, and they need to be removed and discarded immediately after they become contaminated.

Glove materials are evaluated on three criteria when exposed to chemicals:

1. Breakthrough time:  This is how long it takes to detect a substance inside the glove when the outside is exposed to a chemical.  A glove that holds ups for greater than eight hours is considered excellent.

2. Degradation: This refers to the physical changes in the material such as swelling, cracking, softening or shrinking, which occur when it comes in contact with a chemical.  A glove can exhibit chemical breakthrough even if it doesn&#;t show signs of degradation.

3. Permeation rate:  This is the rate at which a substance passes through a glove material once breakthrough takes place.  This rate includes absorption on the surface, diffusion through the material, and desorption on the inside surface.

It is important to remember that laboratory testing data does not take into account the effects of hand movement and body temperature.  The actual protection will be less for a glove that is being worn and stressed during use.

Optimizing Glove Protection

Selecting the right thickness

Glove thickness is usually given in the unit mils, which is equal to one one-thousandth of an inch; therefore, a glove that is 10 mil, is 0.010 inches thick.  A thicker gauge glove will provide more protection than a thinner glove of the same material, but often at the expense of touch-sensitivity and dexterity. 

Double-gloving can be used to increase the total breakthrough time of a particular glove, but this increases hand fatigue and overheating and is recommended only for short-duration tasks.

Selecting the right size

A glove that is too small for your hand will be over-stretched, which stresses the material and makes it less protective.  A glove that is too large may compromise dexterity and may also become more easily damaged during use.  Use the manufacturer's size chart to choose an appropriate fit.

Removing gloves carefully

Glove removal (or "doffing") must be done carefully to avoid contact with the outside of the glove. Always wash your hands after disposing of the gloves.

Avoiding cross-contamination

Soiled gloves can contaminate objects and surfaces, later exposing you to chemical hazards.  When this occurs, you can unknowingly be exposed to chemical hazards.  If you do experience an acute health effect, it can be difficult to determine which chemical was the source of the exposure. 

Reduce the likelihood of cross contamination by:

• changing gloves immediately when contaminated and after each chemical-handling task
• discarding gloves immediately after use.  Never reuse disposable nitrile gloves!
• removing gloves and washing hands before leaving the lab
• establishing designated glove-only vs. no-glove items such as pens, keyboards, instruments, drawers, door handles, refrigerators, and work spaces

Do not wear gloves in hallways, offices, break rooms, elevators, restrooms, or any other public areas!

A Note about Allergies

In addition to their superior chemical resistance profile, another reason that nitrile gloves are used instead of latex in Penn research labs is to avoid the skin allergies that can be caused by the proteins in the latex rubber.  It is possible, however, for some individuals to be sensitive to the accelerators (chemical additives) in nitrile.  

Accelerator-free nitrile glove products are available for people who have sensitivity to standard nitrile gloves.  One example is pictured here:  Hourglass International&#; HandPRO&#; FreeStyle Nitrile Exam Gloves 

Introduction

Want more information on how nitrile gloves are made? Feel free to contact us.

In recent times, the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) has gained significant attention. Among the many types of PPE, nitrile gloves have become a staple in various industries and everyday life. These gloves owe their popularity, in part, to the material from which they are made: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR). NBR has proven to be a game-changer for gloves, offering a plethora of practical benefits that make it a superior choice for ensuring safety and hygiene in numerous applications. In this blog post, we will delve into the practical advantages of using NBR for nitrile gloves.

Exceptional Chemical Resistance

One of the standout features of nitrile gloves made from NBR is their exceptional resistance to a wide range of chemicals. Whether you&#;re working in a laboratory, a medical setting, or an industrial environment, protection against chemical exposure is crucial. Unlike latex gloves, which can be easily degraded by many chemicals, NBR gloves remain intact and provide an effective barrier.

Nitrile gloves can withstand exposure to oils, solvents, acids, and bases without breaking down or compromising their integrity. This chemical resistance not only ensures the safety of the wearer but also makes NBR gloves a versatile choice for professionals in diverse fields.

Allergy-Friendly

Another significant advantage of NBR gloves is their hypoallergenic nature. Latex gloves have long been a popular choice, but they come with the risk of causing allergic reactions, especially for individuals with latex allergies. NBR gloves are an ideal alternative.

Because they are latex-free, NBR gloves eliminate the risk of latex allergies and related skin irritations. This makes them a safer option for both users and patients, especially in healthcare settings where allergies can have serious consequences.

Durability and Longevity

Nitrile gloves made from NBR are renowned for their durability and longevity. They are highly resistant to punctures, tears, and abrasions, which means they can withstand rigorous tasks without compromising protection. This durability makes NBR gloves an excellent choice for professionals who require gloves that can withstand tough conditions.

In addition to their physical durability, NBR gloves have a longer shelf life compared to latex gloves. They are less susceptible to degradation, ensuring that they remain effective and reliable for an extended time, even when stored for long durations.

Comfort and Dexterity

While protection is paramount, comfort and dexterity are equally important when it comes to gloves. NBR gloves strike a balance between protection and comfort, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. Their elastic properties allow them to conform to the hand&#;s shape, providing a snug and secure fit.

Moreover, the flexibility of NBR gloves enhances hand dexterity, enabling wearers to perform intricate tasks with precision. Whether you&#;re a healthcare professional conducting delicate procedures or an automotive mechanic requiring fine motor skills, NBR gloves allow for superior tactile sensitivity and control.

Resistance to Tears and Snags

In many industries, particularly those involving sharp objects or rough surfaces, the risk of tears and snags in gloves is a common concern. NBR gloves, thanks to their exceptional tear resistance, provide an added layer of safety in such environments.

These gloves are less likely to tear or snag, ensuring that users are protected even in high-risk situations. Whether you&#;re handling machinery, performing construction tasks, or working with sharp instruments, NBR gloves can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Enhanced Protection Against Pathogens

In today&#;s global landscape, where the threat of infectious diseases is ever-present, effective protection against pathogens is crucial. NBR gloves excel in this regard. Their superior barrier properties make them highly effective in preventing the transmission of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms.

Healthcare professionals rely on NBR gloves for safeguarding themselves and their patients during medical procedures. The high-quality barrier provided by NBR gloves significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination, contributing to a safer healthcare environment.

Resistance to Oil and Grease

For professionals working in industries such as automotive repair and food service, oil and grease can be constant adversaries. NBR gloves have the upper hand in such scenarios, as they offer excellent resistance to oil and grease, ensuring a secure grip even when handling slippery objects.

This resistance not only enhances safety but also improves productivity. Workers can handle oily or greasy components with confidence, knowing that their gloves won&#;t lose their grip.

Conclusion

Nitrile gloves made from Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) have become indispensable in various industries and everyday life, thanks to their practical benefits. From exceptional chemical resistance to hypoallergenic properties, durability, comfort, and enhanced protection against pathogens, NBR gloves are a top choice for professionals seeking reliable hand protection.

In an ever-evolving world where safety and hygiene are paramount, NBR gloves have proven their worth time and again. Their versatility and superior performance make them a go-to option for a wide range of applications. As we continue to navigate challenges and prioritize safety, NBR gloves will undoubtedly play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals across various industries.

Are you interested in learning more about what's the difference between nitrile gloves and latex gloves? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!