Latex Gloves Guide – Pros & Cons of Using Latex Disposables

Latex gloves are commonly used items of disposable PPE. They’re used in a variety of industries, and are highly effective at protecting against the spread of bacteria and other contaminants.

Some industries are required to follow PPE at work regulations which can include wearing appropriate gloves. Latex gloves were the original go to for many companies and they are still extremely popular today.

Our guide looks at the pros and cons of using disposable latex gloves, what types of glove are commonly available, and compares latex to gloves made from alternative materials.



What Are Latex Gloves?

Latex gloves are known for their robust protection against many harmful chemicals and bacteria.

They are made from a natural rubber which means they are comfortable during wear. They are also extremely flexible and can be used for many work tasks. Their natural properties also mean they are biodegradable, so a win for the environment when it comes to disposing of them.

Latex is extracted from rubber trees. Being naturally sourced means costs remain reasonable and they are used by the medical profession in particular. In such a sterile environment, doctors and other healthcare providers must have the strongest PPE.

They help protect against blood spillages, bodily fluids, bacteria and also from harmful chemicals. Many businesses must adhere to COSHH regulations and wearing appropriate gloves helps ensure compliance.


Why Use Latex Gloves?

Latex gloves are valued in many industries for their high degree of elasticity and touch sensitivity during wear.

They offer a high standard of protection against all the risks found in the medical profession. The highest grade available is surgical sterile gloves. These are required for any medical professional working in the surgical field.

Protective gloves are required by anyone coming into contact with any hazardous chemical or substance.

You might find workers within the following industries using latex disposables:-

  • Medical: Hospitals, GP surgeries, care workers.
  • Cleaners
  • Vet workers
  • Pharmacy workers
  • Catering and food servers.
  • Beauty and hairdressing.
  • Police staff including forensics.

Despite their widespread use, latex gloves do have their limits and aren’t robust enough in some circumstances.

They are not suitable for many chemicals that are harmful due to the risk of the glove puncturing. There are better options out there for these scenarios. Therefore, if you work in a job where you are likely to puncture your gloves, you will need something stronger.


Latex Glove Allergies

The most common drawback to latex gloves is the increasing number of people who are allergic to latex.

Some people cannot have latex coming into contact with their skin as it causes skin issues and other allergic reactions. Dermatitis is common among people with an intolerance to latex and it can also be a trigger for asthma sufferers.

Latex comes from a milky protein found in the sap of trees and this can affect people with sensitive skin. In rare cases, individuals have been known to go into anaphylactic shock when they come into contact with latex.

The same protein can be found in foods including; bananas, avocados, chestnuts, kiwis, and passion fruit. Chances are if you are allergic to these foods then you will also be allergic to latex. The number of latex allergies has been steadily growing.

Great Ormond Street Hospital has been closely monitoring this rise and cites studies estimating that around 40% of patients are sensitive to latex.

In the adult population, it is becoming more and more common to hear of workers using alternatives to latex. They can cause irritants and rashes, and other skin conditions such as dermatitis.

See Also: Hazards of Latex Gloves at Work


Powdered Latex Gloves V’s Powder Free Latex Gloves

Another consideration when researching latex gloves is whether you should use powdered or unpowdered within your work environment.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of powdered and unpowdered gloves:-

Powdered Latex Gloves

Powdered gloves contain a starched powder which helps to absorb sweat. This can make them more suitable in environments where prolonged use is required.

The powder can be both a blessing and a pain depending on who is wearing them. For people who are prone to sweaty hands, they are fantastic. Those with sensitive skin may find they irritate them too much.

For anyone who has sensitive skin, the powder can irritate causing rashes and blotchy skin. The powder is on the inside of the glove, therefore in direct contact with the hands and wrists.

Powdered gloves are often used by the following industries:-

  • Painters and decorators.
  • Cleaning companies
  • Food preparation
  • Healthcare workers

Unpowdered Latex Gloves

Unpowdered latex gloves are used in many workplaces to reduce the risks from latex allergies.

In recent years, it has become advised for hospital staff to avoid powdered gloves. The powder inside the gloves can cause allergens to become airborne in the work environment, putting patients at risk.

Non powdered gloves are often used by the following industries:-

  • Hospitals
  • Food industry
  • Care home staff.
  • Social care workers.
  • Dentists

Non powdered gloves are more suited to those with sensitive skin or other allergies. Food industries often use non powdered to avoid any cross contamination of food.

Unpowdered latex gloves are still used in many industries where latex allergy is deemed a risk because their elasticity and touch sensitivity is superior to that offered by vinyl and nitrile alternatives.

Powder free versions of the gloves are also treated with a chlorine washing process, which reduces the likelihood of latex proteins being transferred into the work environment.


Glove Colours

Latex gloves are available in a variety of colours. The most common glove colours are black, blue, and white.

In some settings different coloured latex gloves are used to indicate which task they should be used for, or level of protection offered.

Gloves are often used in the food industry as a way of preventing cross contamination. Using set glove colours for preparing different food types can help maintain high food hygiene standards.

Some work environments operate under a strict colour code system. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and also means every piece of equipment is contained within a designated area. Cleaners who are required to follow COSHH regulations, often use a colour coded cleaning system to keep everyone safe.


Black Latex Gloves

Black latex gloves are commonly used in settings where stains and discolouration may be an issue.

Tattooists regularly wear black gloves, as do hairdresses when applying hair colourants. Industries that involve handling oily or greasy materials will also use this colour. This includes businesses such as mechanics, electricians and printers.

In industrial work environments, black colouring helps workers correctly identify the gloves as suitable for heavy duty tasks.

Anyone wanting gloves to blend in with a dark coloured work uniform may also opt for this colour.


Blue Latex Gloves

Blue latex gloves are often used in food preparation environments where the bright colour helps with visibility. They’re also most commonly associated with medical, dental, and laboratory settings.

In healthcare settings, blue gloves are used when workers need to know the difference between latex and other materials such as nitrile.

By colour coding gloves, workers can easily identify latex gloves from other types. Blue gloves blend in with uniforms, and the environment and look smart.


White Latex Gloves

White latex gloves offer a natural and neutral appearance while maintaining a professional look.

They are popularly used in cleanrooms, laboratories, and for contamination control purposes. White gloves are often used in environments where contaminants are a concern.

Contamination is easier to see on a white coloured glove. As white gloves do not use coloured dyes, this eliminates the possibility of contamination arising from glove dye.

Sometimes, to make punctures stand out, workers will double glove and wear white underneath darker gloves. This way, if there is a tear in them, it will be much easier to spot.


Alternative Glove Types

Different work environments or assessed risks may lead some workplaces to seek alternative glove options. This could be down to the type of tasks performed, allergies, hazards, or personal preference.

Nitrile v’s Latex Gloves

Nitrile gloves are not quite as flexible or as comfortable as latex but they are kinder on sensitive skin.

They are also a safer choice when dealing with hazardous chemicals due to their increased level of protection. Sometimes, when considering nitrile vs latex, you need to think of what they will be used for.

Their puncture resistant qualities mean they are often more trusted than other brands. Having that extra reassurance when working in a risky environment is a must.

Despite latex being around for longer, nitrile is fast becoming the preferred choice. This is down to their strength and added protective barrier against harsh work chemicals. Those who need to consider comfort during long term wear may still prefer latex. The natural rubber makes them the comfiest to wear.

Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic materials so some of this comfort is lost. This difference between natural and synthetic glove materials is often a reason people choose latex.


Latex V’s Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl has also been growing in popularity across many industries. They are another synthetic product, made from PVC.

One main difference between latex and vinyl is strength. Latex wins this contest and they are thicker than vinyl too.

Again, they are useful for anyone with or who suspects they have an allergy to latex. Vinyl does have its drawbacks. They aren’t as stretchy as other types which can cause problems in some environments. Vinyl gloves also do not have the same level of protection and should not be used when dealing with chemicals.

They do tend to be fairly cheap which is a huge advantage for many businesses and they also offer anti static properties which are of benefit too. Food industries often use vinyl gloves when doing low risk food preparation.


FAQs

Are nitrile gloves latex free?

Nitrile gloves are latex free and made from two chemicals known as acrylonitrile and butadiene. They are synthetic and less durable than latex.

Are latex gloves bad for your skin?

Latex gloves can be bad for the skin, causing issues such as dermatitis. Sensitive skin may be irritated by latex and come out in a rash or blotchy hands.

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