Did you know that according to the Allergy and Asthma Network that 10% – 17% of all healthcare workers have a latex allergy? Additionally, dental workers have an even higher rate of latex allergy at 33%.
For years latex gloves dominated the medical glove industry, but with so many healthcare workers, dentists, and patients with latex allergies, nitrile gloves have become the new standard.
So, what are nitrile gloves made of? Keep reading on to learn.
Material of Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are made up of synthetic rubber, unlike latex gloves which are made from natural rubber.
The two monomers which make up nitrile gloves are acrylonitrile and butadiene. Both help to make nitrile gloves the best choice for personal protective equipment for dentists, hygienists, and healthcare workers.
The primary role is to prevent the spread of germs and diseases between patients and healthcare providers. Therefore, durability and the ability to stand up to harsh chemicals are crucial in patients, healthcare, and dental safety.
Acrylonitrile
The acrylonitrile monomer is one of the most important parts of nitrile gloves. The acrylonitrile monomer is what gives nitrile gloves their chemical resistance.
Since nitrile gloves use acrylonitrile over natural rubber, nitrile gloves can protect your hands better from harsh chemicals than latex gloves can. Acrylonitrile allows for resistance to mineral oils, vegetable oils, grease, gasoline, diesel fuels, and a variety of acids.
Butadiene
Butadiene is a synthetic flexible rubber that is beneficial when it comes to gloves. This flexible synthetic rubber helps ensure that the gloves are puncture-resistant. Additionally, the flexibility adds some comfort to the person wearing the gloves.
Using the butadiene rubber over the natural rubber allows for nitrile gloves to be 3 to 5 times more picture resistant than latex gloves. Butadiene also is more elastic than vinyl gloves and therefore is more durable as well.
Since nitrile gloves are more durable, it helps to keep a safer barrier between sharp tools and patients. Many dentists and hygienists prefer nitrile gloves over latex gloves for this reason.
Another added benefit to butadiene is that the flexible rubber allows the gloves to form on your hand when warmed up with body heat.
This helps to have the optimal tactile feeling when performing tasks, which is essential for many healthcare and dental procedures.
Benefits of Nitrile Gloves
The number one benefit of using nitrile gloves over latex gloves is that they are a great alternative to latex allergies or latex sensitivity. Latex allergic reactions can vary, but some latex allergy symptoms include:
- Redness
- Rash
- Hives
- Itchiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
In some rare cases, people experience anaphylactic shock and even death from latex allergies. When using synthetic rubber nitrile gloves, providers and patients can have peace of mind knowing that they will not be at risk of coming in contact with latex if they are allergic. Additionally, it helps to keep patients safe from latex if they are allergic.
Protect your patients and staff today and check out Primo Dental Products to stock up on nitrile exam gloves today.
Colorful
What are nitrile gloves colors for? Nitrile gloves come in almost every color today. In addition, they come in a variety of colors without affecting their durability.
Previously, nitrile gloves were made in blue. This was to help distinguish them between the latex gloves for allergy purposes.
Medical facilities today still typically use blue or purple nitrile gloves. These colors help easily spot glove failures or holes. Other industries have other preferences when it comes to colors.
Law enforcement wears black gloves to help distinguish them apart from first responders providing medical care on scenes. Postal workers also wear black gloves to spot any white powder residue on their hands quickly.
What Are Nitrile Gloves? A Safer and More Effective Glove
Nitrile gloves allow dentists, hygienists, and healthcare workers to do perform their job safer and more effectively. They do not have to worry about not being able to feel what they are doing and the risk of gloves breaking with nitrile gloves, thanks to the unique synthetic rubber used.
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