Chemical gloves

Have you worked your way through our guide to chemical gloves and decided to use latex gloves? The advantages of the high elasticity and tear resistance are undisputed. Many medical professionals swear by latex gloves thanks to their comfort and excellent tactile sensitivity.

But one question still arises before buying. What are powder-free and powder-free gloves and which are the right ones for me? In the following, we will explain it to you, bring you closer to the advantages and disadvantages of the two glove variants and introduce you to alternatives.

Advantages of chemical gloves

The purpose of chemical gloves is to make it easier for the wearer. Powdered gloves are popular with those who tend to have damp palms or who like to slip their gloves on when their hands are wet. In addition, the powder reduces the moisture, so that the impression arises that your hands are dry.

History of gloves

Around 20 years ago, the powdered latex gloves variant was the much more popular and widespread variant. In the first half of 1997 the market share in USA was still around 74%. However, why this has changed shows some disadvantages.

 

Disadvantages chemical gloves

The powder from chemical gloves can promote the development of a latex allergy in some people. Latex gloves with powder contain a particularly large number of latex proteins. Soluble latex proteins can migrate from the glove matrix into the powder. As a result, the level of latex allergens in the air increases when the gloves are common, especially when the gloves are removed.

These can get into the respiratory tract of the user and patient and, in addition to allergic reactions; this can also lead to serious bronchial immediate-type reactions such as asthma. The powder can also settle on surfaces, clothing and skin, which can lead to skin irritation and itching.

Are chemical gloves cause allergy?

Since the serious consequences of wearing disposable chemical gloves, some of which led to occupational disability.

Why chemical gloves are forbidden in food industry?

The use of disposable gloves with powder is also strictly forbidden in the food industry and gastronomy, as food can be rotten.

Alternatives to powdered latex gloves

Despite the prohibition and disadvantages of powdered gloves, many people do not want to forego the advantages of being easy to put on and take off. To this end, alternatives develop in the past that do not affect the health of the user to the same extent as chemical gloves do.

Latex gloves with polymer coating

The coating prevents the material from sticking together and is insensitive to sweat. In addition, it protects against a latex allergy, as no latex proteins release and the skin does not come into direct contact with latex. Thus, they are also suitable for sensitive users and latex allergy sufferers and offer good protection from the disease.

The sliding inner layer makes it easy to put on and take off the latex gloves.

Why latex gloves with polymer coating are expensive?

Latex gloves with a polymer coating are a little more expensive than conventional un-powdered disposable gloves, but they offer the advantages of being able to put the chemical gloves on and off quickly and also provide good protection against latex allergens.

Disposable gloves made of nitrile and vinyl

Nitrile and vinyl gloves are a good alternative to powdered latex gloves. Since they do not use latex, they are suitable for people with latex allergies. Thanks to the smooth surfaces of these gloves, they are very easy to put on and take off, even without powdering.

Nitrile gloves are also safe for contact with and processing of food. In our guide you can find out more about the different materials common for disposable gloves and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

What is the disadvantage of nitrile and vinyl gloves?

Like other chemical gloves, nitrile and vinyl gloves are available in a powdered version. However, these also have disadvantages. Powdering leads to drying out of the skin can leave residues on clothing and textiles and also irritate the mucous membranes. Since disposable nitrile and vinyl gloves are already easy to put on and take off, buying powdered nitrile gloves and powdered vinyl gloves is hardly worthwhile.

How we can put on and take off chemical gloves correctly?

These gloves protect you from pathogens and harmful substances and help you comply with hygiene guidelines. However, you should observe certain procedures for safe use when putting on and taking off the chemical gloves, so that you do not come into contact with dangerous substances and pathogens and protect yourself from self-contamination.

To ensure that you can work safely with disposable gloves, we have provided you with instructions on how to put on disposable gloves correctly and how to take off disposable gloves correctly.

What to consider when putting on chemical gloves?

Wearing gloves does not replace thorough hand hygiene, so the following applies before wearing: Wash or disinfect hands. This should usually be done with soap and water / disinfectant (20 to 30 seconds).

Put on disposable gloves properly

Since these gloves can only withstand limited mechanical stress, it is important to keep the risk of overuse as low as possible. Long or artificial fingernails and jewelry can tear the chemical gloves quickly, so the fingernails should be kept short so as not to damage the gloves. Remove jewelry from your wrist or finger before putting on gloves.

• When putting on the glove, it is first pulled loosely over the fingers of one hand.
• The thumb of the hand that is still free then grips the glove on the underside of the wrist.
• Then you grasp the thumb with the remaining fingers on the outside
• And carefully put the glove over the wrist without overstretching it.
• Pull the glove into the correct fit and bring the fingers of the glove into the correct position.

Conclusion: Chemical gloves powdered or powder-free

Due to the health risk for users and fellow human beings that comes with powder, we do not recommend buying and wearing chemical gloves or powdered latex gloves and generally powdered gloves! We recommend the use of powder-free gloves made of nitrile or vinyl or latex gloves with a polymer inner coating.