Gloves Selection Guide

Gloves Selection Guide

This Guide sets out the merits and demerits of natural rubber latex gloves vis-à-vis the different types of synthetic gloves, e.g. vinyl, neoprene, nitrile and polyurethane, which may be of interest to users in their gloves selection.

Natural Rubber Latex Gloves

Merits	Demerits
Excellent barrier properties against viral transmission	Resistance to oil and grease is not as good as synthetic substitutes
High resistance to tears and punctures during use	Low resistance to ozone, oxygen and ultraviolet rays
High tensile strength and elasticity	Contains proteins *
Excellent finger dexterity to reduce hand fatigue	Contains residual chemicals
Excellent tactile sensitivity for better feel
Highly durable
Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

* Significantly reduced now. The availability of low-protein, low powder or powder-free gloves has reduced the risk of protein sensitization.

Vinyl Gloves

Merits	Demerits
Protein free	Inferior barrier properties against viral transmission
Good resistance to light and ozone	Low resistance against tears and punctures during use
	Most susceptible to sharp objects, e.g. needle sticks
	Poor elasticity and strength
	Less comfort and fit
	Poor tactile sensitivity or feel
	Releases dioxin during incineration or disposal
	High content of plasticizers, e.g. DEHP
	Not biodegradable nor environmentally friendly

Nitrile Gloves

Merits	Demerits
Protein free	Low resistance to tears
Good resistance to oil and grease	Not as flexible nor elastic as latex
Good elasticity but lower than latex	Less comfort, fit and feel
Good strength and durability	Contains residual chemicals (similar to natural rubber latex)
	Releases cyanide during incineration or disposal
	Not biodegradable nor environmentally friendly
	Poor resistance against benzene, methylene chloride and many ketones

Polyurethane Gloves

Merits	Demerits
Protein free	Low resistance to alcohol
Good barrier properties	Contains residual chemicals
High resistance to tears and punctures	Releases isocyanate during incineration
	Not biodegradable nor environmentally friendly
	Cost much more than nitrile or latex

Neoprene Gloves

Merits	Demerits
Protein free	Low resistance to ozone, oxygen and ultraviolet rays
High resistance to oil and chemicals	Low resistance to tears and punctures
	Contains residual chemicals
	Releases hydrogen chloride during incineration
	Not biodegradable nor environmentally friendly
	Costly