What are Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic latex. They contain no latex proteins and offer excellent resistance to punctures and tears. Nitrile gloves are three times more puncture resistant than rubber and can be used to offer superior resistance to many types of chemicals.

Unlike other latex gloves, nitrile gloves have low resistance to friction and are very easy to slide on. There are a few other reasons that nitrile gloves are more popular than other latex or vinyl gloves, including a higher degree of flexibility and superior solvent resistance. When choosing a glove, there are a few points to consider. You should consider how much protection you need, the glove's quality and how it is made, and whether you have any allergic reactions to the glove’s material.

In the manufacturing process of latex, vinyl and nitrile gloves, there are standard measurements applied to the gloves. In order to rate the protective qualities of the glove, they are graded from 1 to 3. The glove that receives a medical grade means that it has received the highest protection rating. These gloves are rigorously tested to pass FDA requirements.

The next grade is the high-risk category. These are used in the emergency medical service fields, such as paramedics. A very high level of testing is required in order to assure the proper requirements are reached.

The next level is the utility grade. These are not intended to be used in the medical field and they are not tested to any FDA specifications. However, these gloves are recommended for jobs that require hand protection, such as painting. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) regulates the standards of utility grade gloves.

In nitrile gloves, powder such as cornstarch is added in order to make putting on the gloves as easy as possible. Nitrile gloves come in a variety of sizes to fit all hands, from extra small to extra large. Nitrile gloves can be made in a variety of textures, cuff lengths and thickness. Nitrile gloves should not be stored under excessive light or heat as that can make the rubber disintegrate more rapidly.

Discuss this Article

Hi, I am having the same problem. I have been in the dental industry for over 10 years and have never had a problem to gloves. Last year, I developed a rash that started on my thumb. I've been to countless doctors, and am now up for rasp testing.

I have switched from Latex, to Vinyl, to Nitrile Accelerant Free, each alleviating my symptoms somewhat and then progressing to the point where my finger tips split open and bleed, I get bubbly rashes on my hands, and they too look like they have been through a meat grinder...ick...

I am now out of work for the second time.

I have been doing research, and has anyone looked into where these gloves are produced and by whom??

They all come from countries that have no production laws, and are often times made by prisoners using "forced labor". They are made in gross disgusting environments by people who are sick, unhealthy, and carry disease, as well as have open skin lesions on their hands.

While everyone is looking at us like we are crazy, why isn't anyone looking at the production facilities where these are made? Why doesn't the medical Industry stand up and *demand* better production?

Please comment, I'd love to hear thoughts on this.

Also, has anyone had luck with workman's compensation? Thanks.

- BrandyH

I too work in the health care field. I cannot wear latex or powdered gloves because of allergy to them. My company has always supplied me with latex free, powder free gloves. They are now switching to nitrile gloves.

The first day I wore them they broke me out just like the latex did. Itchy red bumps and if I wear them too long I blister. They have informed us they are discontinuing all other gloves and going completely nitrile!

- anon33722

Please, for all you with nitrile allergies... either have your company buy it or buy it yourself. The product I'm talking about are accelerator free rated nitrile gloves. I know showa-best offers one in green. Look it up.

- anon30238

To anon22190: I work for a chemical manufacture and we switched from latex to nitrile gloves. Now my palms look like they've been through a meat grinder. I've been to two doctors and when I tell them I think it's the nitrile gloves they tell me I'm crazy. My employer will not let me switch back to latex gloves because someone may complain if they are even in the building. I've found no cure or solution.

- anon24751

i am also in the medical profession and have been fighting allergies on my hands, palm side only. this started when we switched to nitrile gloves. my hands itch, burn, crack, form blisters and the skin just peels off. i've seen 6 different allergists and dermatologists. its been going on for a year now. it hurts, looks disgusting and i'm tired of it. help me cure this any suggestions greatly appreciated, thanks.

- anon22190

china nitrile glove manufacture, i agree, this kind of glove is suitable for any one.

- anon20920

Anon, you probably have, Like me a type IV allergy, specifically to the accelerators used in the production process of both latex and normal nitrile gloves. Try out the accelerator free nitrile gloves, they might be the answer. I'm looking forward to trying these myself, as I'm waiting for my company to order them.

- anon19468

the next question is totally accurate and is not intended to be funny in any way. I used a nitrile glove in place of a condom one night. Is this potentially dangerous/or could pregnancy result from this choice?

- anon13799

if i`m allergic to latex (type I) what risk do i have to develop allergy to nitrile?. i want to know because i`ve been using vinyl gloves, but i want a better protection against virus like hepatitis and HIV.

- anon13663

I am allergic to nitrile gloves. The backs of my hands break out in horribly itchy red patches, and with prolonged exposure, they bleed and form blisters. As a respiratory therapist, I must change gloves sometimes 50 to 60 times a night. This is no exaggeration! Latex gloves are wonderful, I have absolutely no reaction. But our hospital is switching to almost all nitrile gloves. i believe this is in response to deals from nitrile distributors, rather than in response to provide gloves for latex sensitive patients. Other health care workers who experience this problem, please post here!

- anon11035

Hi-- Is there any difference in the thickness among the medical, high-risk and utility grades of nitrile gloves?

--JWFlower

- JWFlower

What is the difference between nitrile and neoprene gloves?

- anon6144

Allergies to nitrile gloves do exist, but are not as common as allergies to latex gloves.

- lamaestra

Will there be any patient reactions to the gloves.

- anon4110

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