Gloves are essential for preventing the transmission of pathogens during patient care and can be a useful tool for personal protection. However, there are several considerations for glove selection, particularly when the gloves will be used in areas where chemical hazards exist.
One of these protective gloves is nitrile gloves. They are popular disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect your hands against chemicals that may be present in work settings. Nitrile disposable gloves are used extensively in health care, and their disposable (single use) nature means that large quantities are being consumed.
Check this Nitrile Gloves Allergy Guide and learn more about the topic.
So, if a box of nitrile gloves seems to have gone missing, or you’re out of your normal disposable gloves and simply can’t get it from the supplier in time, are there alternatives? What are you supposed to do if your go-to gloves are no longer available? Fortunately, there are other glove types available.
This article looks at the best alternatives to nitrile gloves which may offer similar or better protection for workers handling hazardous chemicals.
Alternative 01: Vinyl Gloves
If you want to keep your hands clean, you might want to try vinyl gloves. With these vinyl disposable gloves, you can handle household chemicals or industrial solvents and not worry about getting your hands dirty.
Vinyl gloves are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are a favorite among many household and industrial cleaners. If you are looking for a budget-friendly disposable glove, this is the best alternative that you can have because vinyl gloves are easy to find (whether online or in physical stores), a less expensive option, and can provide protection. Moreover, vinyl is also latex-free, protein-free, and allergy-free.
Vinyl gloves are more comfortable to wear than other kinds of disposable gloves. They're also easier to put on and take off, and they're good for non-critical jobs such as food handling, general cleaning, health care, manufacturing, and painting. However, vinyl gloves are less durable than nitrile gloves and aren't as protective. They're often used for short-term tasks only.
Nitrile vs Vinyl
Nitrile and vinyl gloves have different strengths and weaknesses. Nitrile gloves can withstand temperature extremes, chemicals, and oils and fats but aren't very resistant to tears. Vinyl gloves are resistant to water, oils, and fats but can tear easily.
Although vinyl gloves can be cheaper to purchase initially, they tend to wear out faster than latex or nitrile gloves, meaning you will end up spending more money in the long term.
Alternative 02: Latex Gloves
Everyone knows how useful latex gloves are. They’re the best when you need a pair of durable, long-lasting gloves for whatever needs you might have—whether it’s inspecting products in an industrial setting or tending to patients during surgery.
Latex gloves provide strength, flexibility and tactile sensitivity, which make them a good alternative choice. These disposable gloves are great to wear when you’re doing tasks that require a lot of work and precision, like surgery. They give the wearer dexterity and the ability to do delicate and detailed things without compromising protection. When powdered, they offer a soft surface and that makes them easier to put on and take off.
While latex gloves do have many benefits, there are a few drawbacks to using a disposable glove like them. Because latex is a common allergen, it’s important not to use latex gloves when dealing with patients in healthcare settings. Since latex gloves are powdered, use of them can sometimes cause allergic reactions in some people.
Aside from allergy concerns, the texture of latex gloves makes them less detectable when they’re torn or punctured. Latex gloves offer limited protection from chemicals and solvents.
Nitrile vs Latex
If you’re considering whether to buy a latex or nitrile glove, it’s a good idea to take into account what they can be used for. Each type of glove has pros and cons.
Latex gloves are used for a variety of purposes, including general usage, dishwashing, janitorial tasks, and medical exams. However, it is important to note that food preparation is not one of them. The powder used to ease the putting on and removing of gloves can leave behind a residue on food. Latex gloves are the best alternatives instead for situations where greater sensitivity and dexterity are needed like dentistry and surgery.
On the other hand, you can use nitrile gloves for the same tasks that you use latex gloves for. However, since they are powder-free and latex-free, they can also be used to cook and prepare food.
Alternative 03: Butyl Gloves
Butyl rubber gloves protect against a variety of industrial chemicals. They're tough enough for the tough jobs, but sensitive enough for details. The quality and chemical resistance of butyl rubber protect against a wide variety of industrial chemicals, highly corrosive acids, strong bases, ketones, and other harsh chemicals while providing a good tactile grip.
Nitrile vs Butyl
One major advantage of many butyl gloves is they are reusable compared to disposable nitrile glove. Butyl gloves offer an economical solution to many industrial applications. Yes, nitrile is priced competitively with butyl, but they don't stand up as well to certain chemicals. If you looking or alternatives that will hold out chemicals well, you can use one butyl glove repeatedly instead of wasting money on disposables.
Alternative 04: Neoprene Gloves
Unlike natural rubber, neoprene is made from a synthetic rubber called chloroprene, created through a free radical polymerization process. The chemical treatment of the polymers allows for the material to be flexible and resistant to chemicals.
The advantages of neoprene gloves are numerous, but the best ones are their resistance to impact and weather. Neoprene gloves won't let you down. They provide excellent finger mobility and flexibility and are puncture, cut, tear, and impact resistant.
Neoprene gloves are suitable for outdoor use and display resistance to degradation by sunlight, weather, oxidation, ozone, aging, freons, and mild acids. Moreover, these neoprene gloves are highly flexible, durable and elastic. They will easily bounce back to their original shape if they are stretched out.
Nitrile vs Neoprene
Neoprene can be a good alternative in certain situations. However, neoprene glove types also have limitations. Nitrile offer better protection against toxic materials and chemicals than neoprene gloves. But neoprene gloves are more durable and resistant to the effects of weather. Choose the right kind of glove for the work you will be doing and the environment in which you need protection.
5 Best Options for Nitrile Glove Allergy Alternatives
If you or your employees suffer from allergies related to nitrile gloves, finding suitable alternatives is crucial for maintaining a safe and comfortable working environment.
Nitrile gloves are popular for their durability and resistance to chemicals, but they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to compounds used in the manufacturing process. Here are some effective alternatives to consider:
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Latex Gloves: a common alternative to nitrile gloves. Made from natural rubber, latex gloves offer excellent elasticity and fit. They are suitable for tasks requiring precision and are widely used in medical and industrial settings.
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Vinyl Gloves: made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are a cost-effective option for those allergic to nitrile and latex. While they are not as durable as nitrile or latex gloves, they are suitable for low-risk tasks that do not involve exposure to hazardous materials. Vinyl gloves are also free from latex proteins, making them a safe choice for latex allergy sufferers.
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Polyethylene Gloves: another affordable alternative, often used in food handling and other low-risk tasks. These gloves are not as form-fitting or durable as nitrile or latex gloves but provide a good barrier for short-term use. They are also latex-free, making them a suitable option for individuals with latex allergies.
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Neoprene Gloves: offer a high level of protection and are resistant to a wide range of chemicals. They are a good alternative for individuals allergic to nitrile and latex. Neoprene gloves are flexible, durable, and provide a comfortable fit, making them suitable for various applications, including medical and industrial use.
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Hypoallergenic Gloves: are often made from synthetic materials that do not contain the proteins or accelerators found in nitrile and latex gloves. Hypoallergenic gloves are an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive skin or severe allergies.
Conclusion
You have likely found yourself in a situation where you can’t locate your nitrile gloves. Or maybe they ran out and you need to find an alternative solution. Rather than running to the hospital supply store or searching under the desk, you can choose from several other glove types that will also provide great protection for your hands against chemicals. While they are very useful in hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory care centers, there may be instances where latex or vinyl disposable gloves or others are better suited for the job.
Interestingly, there are alternatives that you can use just as effectively as your normal, go-to gloves -- so you won't be completely left out when you run out of your nitrile brands at the most inopportune time. They are formulated with different levels of durability and puncture or tear levels to suit your needs.
Ultimately it depends on what works for you. So when looking for the glove that's right for you consider whether a disposable or reusable is more suitable, different materials may be more appropriate for certain users.
Alternatives to Nitrile Gloves: Frequently Asked Questions
What are non nitrile gloves?
Non-nitrile gloves include gloves made from alternative materials such as latex, vinyl, polyethylene, and neoprene. These gloves vary in terms of elasticity, durability, chemical resistance, and suitability for different tasks. Latex gloves are known for their flexibility and fit, vinyl gloves are cost-effective for low-risk tasks, polyethylene gloves are typically used in food handling, and neoprene gloves offer strong chemical resistance.
What gloves are better than nitrile?
The “better” glove depends on the specific application and individual needs. For tasks requiring high tactile sensitivity and fit, latex gloves might be preferred. For those with latex allergies, neoprene gloves offer similar durability and chemical resistance to nitrile. Vinyl gloves can be a better option for cost-sensitive, low-risk applications. Hypoallergenic gloves are specifically designed to minimize allergic reactions and might be the best choice for individuals with sensitive skin.
When should you not use nitrile gloves?
Nitrile gloves should not be used when handling highly corrosive chemicals that nitrile is not resistant to, or when working in environments where the gloves could degrade due to exposure to certain substances or extreme temperatures. Additionally, if an individual has a confirmed allergy to nitrile compounds, alternative gloves should be used to prevent allergic reactions.
What are the issues with nitrile gloves?
Issues with nitrile gloves include potential allergic reactions to chemical accelerators used in their production, limited biodegradability leading to environmental concerns, and possible degradation when exposed to certain chemicals, extreme temperatures, or prolonged UV light. Additionally, nitrile gloves can be more expensive compared to other glove materials, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious operations.
