Nitrile gloves are widely used in various industries for their excellent chemical resistance and durability. That said, recent research has shown that the performance of nitrile gloves can be affected by hand movements, leading to increased chemical permeation. This blog explores these findings and what they mean for industries relying on nitrile gloves for safety and protection.
Understanding Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves, made from acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, have become a popular alternative to latex gloves, especially for individuals with latex allergies. Many times they offer superior resistance to punctures, chemicals, and are generally considered more durable. However, their effectiveness can vary under certain conditions.
The Research: Hand Movements and Chemical Permeation
A study conducted by Phalen et al. (2014) investigated how simulated hand movements impacted the chemical resistance of nitrile gloves compared to latex and vinyl gloves. The study provided valuable insights into the performance of these gloves under dynamic conditions.
Key Findings
- Decreased Breakthrough Time: The research revealed that when nitrile gloves were subjected to simulated movements, there was a decrease in breakthrough time by 31%. This means that chemicals could penetrate the gloves faster when in motion.
- Increased Steady-State Permeation Rate: The study also found a 47% increase in the steady-state permeation rate for nitrile gloves under movement. Once the chemical starts to permeate through the glove, the rate at which it does so is higher during movement.
- Higher Cumulative Permeation: The cumulative permeation at 30 minutes increased by 111% under movement conditions. This indicates that the total amount of chemical penetrating the glove over time is significantly higher when the gloves are in use.
- Comparison with Latex and Vinyl Gloves: Despite the increased permeation rates under movement, nitrile gloves still offered better overall chemical resistance compared to vinyl gloves. Latex gloves performed similarly to nitrile gloves but were less affected by movement.
What This Means for Users
These findings highlight the importance of considering glove performance under real-world conditions. For industries that require frequent hand movements, such as healthcare, laboratory work, and manufacturing, understanding how gloves perform under dynamic conditions is crucial for ensuring safety.
- Healthcare: Healthcare workers frequently use their hands, making it essential to choose gloves that provide consistent protection against chemicals and pathogens even during movement.
- Laboratories: Lab technicians handling hazardous chemicals need gloves that maintain their integrity under frequent hand movements to prevent chemical exposure.
- Manufacturing and Automotive and Industrial: Workers in these industries often deal with sharp objects and chemicals. Gloves that resist punctures and chemical permeation under movement are vital for their safety.
Choosing the Right Gloves
When selecting nitrile gloves, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of your industry and tasks. Look for gloves that offer a balance between protection, dexterity, and comfort. Change gloves often when handling chemicals. While nitrile gloves generally provide excellent protection, it's important to recognize their limitations and choose gloves based on the specific conditions of use.
Conclusion
The study concluded that nitrile gloves, despite being affected by hand movements, still offer substantial protection compared to latex and vinyl gloves. However, the increase in chemical permeation under movement highlights the importance of considering real-world conditions when selecting gloves for chemical protection.
