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When it comes to nitrile gloves, many think about whether are nitrile gloves latex free or not. Keeping knowledge regarding this topic is very necessary for those who suffer from latex allergy. In addition to skin irritation, hives, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylaxis, latex allergies can cause various symptoms.
There is a very less rate of allergy in nitrile gloves, approx 1%. But many cases show that the chemical accelerator used in the products of nitrile gloves may cause allergy issues. While manufacturing nitrile gloves, the low and cheaper raw material used in making such gloves results causing skin irritation.
But nowadays, many nitrile gloves are manufactured containing allergy and skin irritation rates closer to negligible. So when it comes to the question “Are nitrile gloves latex free?”, the simple and straightforward answer is yes! Further below we’ll discuss in detail this particular topic, their benefits, and how they differ from vinyl and latex gloves.
Are Nitrile Gloves Latex Free?
Before jumping on the main topic, we should know about nitrile and latex gloves, their differences, and their benefits. So we can better understand such gloves.
What Are Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves come in the category of disposable gloves that are generally made from synthetic rubber material. They are an ideal choice in many medical and healthcare centers. They are also used as personal protective equipment (PPE) in an industrial setting.
Normally nitrile gloves are made from synthetic material, making them a beneficial product for those containing allergies and skin irritation problems. They are highly resistant to punctures and chemicals and are durable and ideal choices in a variety of applications.
They are available in two different types, powdered and non-powdered. The main benefit of powdered nitrile gloves is that they are easy to wear and more comfortable to put on your hands, but they cause allergic issues for some people having sensitive skin which are also counted in their drawbacks.
Difference Between Nitrile, Vinyl & Latex Gloves
To know about the exact difference between nitrile, vinyl, and latex gloves, you can better understand the topic “Are nitrile gloves latex free”. Here is a table shows the side-by-side difference between these gloves:
| Feature | Nitrile Gloves | Vinyl Gloves | Latex Gloves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Synthetic rubber | PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) | Natural rubber |
| Allergies | Latex-free | Latex-free | May cause allergic issues |
| Comfort | Soft and flexible | Comfortable | Soft and flexible |
| Durability | Strong and puncture-resistant | Less durable than nitrile or latex | Less durable than nitrile |
| Chemical Resistance | Highly resistant to chemicals | Resistant to some chemicals | Not as resistant as nitrile |
| Price | Moderate | Inexpensive | Moderate to expensive |
| Sensitivity | High tactile sensitivity | Lower tactile sensitivity | High tactile sensitivity |
| Powder | Available in both powdered and powder-free varieties | Available in both powdered and powder-free varieties | Available in both powdered and powder-free varieties |
| Ideal for | Medical and industrial settings | Light-duty tasks and food service | Medical settings and procedures where latex is preferred |
You can also consider our post regarding the difference between nitrile and vinyl gloves.
What is Latex
Latex is a creamy white, thick, milky emulsion, and natural rubber material that is derived from the sap of rubber trees. It is commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, such as gloves, condoms, ballon, medical devices, and paint.
Why Some People Cause Allergic Issue To Latex
The main cause of allergic reactions in some people is the number of proteins used in the latex. Normally healthcare workers are suffering from latex allergies, as because they are frequently used products made from latex.
There are a variety of symptoms that shows a latex allergy, but the main symptom is mild skin irritation which may cause a life-threatening in some cases. If you are at risk of latex allergies or have a known allergy to latex, you should avoid using latex products and use alternative materials, such as nitrile or vinyl gloves.
But in recent years, the use of latex gloves in medical and industrial areas are minimized. Synthetic gloves are made from materials like nitrile, vinyl, and polyethylene that don’t contain the proteins that cause latex allergies.
Benefits Of Using Nitrile Gloves Over Latex Gloves
There are various benefits of nitrile gloves over latex gloves especially when it comes to “Are nitrile gloves latex free?”
The main benefit of nitrile gloves is their latex-free property. They are made from a synthetic material that saves people from allergic and skin irritation problems. This could be very beneficial for a person suffering from latex allergies.
Another advantage of using nitrile gloves is their chemical and puncture-resistant ability. This makes them a reliable and durable choice for a variety of applications. As the demand for latex gloves decreases day by day, latex gloves become popular and an ideal choice for many medical and industrial uses.
Conclusion:
We hope you’ll enjoy this particular guide and better understand your question “Are nitrile gloves latex free”. We try to cover every single point, from benefits to the difference between nitrile, vinyl, and latex gloves.
