|
The National Institute
of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Latex Allergy Alert June
1997 lists this as it's number on recommendation for latex
allergy prevention:
"Use non-latex gloves
for activities that are not likely to involve contact with
infectious materials (food preparation, routine housekeeping,
maintenance etc...)"
For non medical
applications use synthetic, nitrile or vinyl gloves.
Latex Alternatives:
 | Synthetics
- A stretch vinyl material using vinyl as it's base with
additives to give increased flexibility similar to latex. |
| Vinyl -
A poly vinyl chloride material derived from petroleum. |
| Nitrile
- A man made nitrile buna rubber. |
|
Polyethylene - A thin low cost material made from PE resins.
|
|
Material
Characteristics |
Latex |
Synthetic |
Vinyl |
Nitrile |
Polyethylene |
|
Barrier
Protection |
Excellent |
Fair |
Fair |
Excellent |
Poor |
|
Strength/Durability |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Excellent |
Poor |
|
Elasticity |
Excellent |
Fair |
Poor |
Excellent |
Poor |
|
Puncture
Resistance |
Good |
Poor |
Poor |
Excellent |
Poor |
|
Chemical
Resistance |
Good |
Poor |
Poor |
Excellent |
Poor |
|
Fit and
Comfort |
Excellent |
Very Good |
Good |
Very Good |
Fair |
|
Protein
Allergens |
Poor |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Excellent |
|
Economy |
Good |
Very Good |
Very Good |
Good/Fair |
Excellent |
|
Preferred
Applications |
Latex |
Synthetic |
Vinyl |
Nitrile |
Polyethylene |
|
Gardening/Painting |
|
x |
x |
|
|
|
Housekeeping/Light Janitorial |
|
x |
x |
|
x |
|
Heavy
Janitorial |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
Light
Industrial |
|
x |
x |
|
|
|
Heavy
Industrial |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
Law
Enforcement |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
|
Securtiy |
|
x |
x |
x |
|
|
Pharmaceutical |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
Lab Work |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
|
Blood/Bodily
Fluids |
x |
|
|
x |
|
|
Dental |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
EMS Crews |
x |
|
|
x |
|
|
Healthcare |
x |
|
|
x |
|
|
Meat/Poultry
Handling |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
Food Handling |
|
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
Basic Moisture
Protection |
|
x |
x |
|
|
|
Chemical
Splash |
x |
|
|
x |
|
|
Precision
Mechanical/Automotive |
x |
x |
|
x |
|
|
General
Mechanical/Automotive |
|
x |
|
x |
|
|
