Rubber Gloves

1. Though other materials are now commonly in use, latex rubber gloves remain the standard for disposable gloves. Latex has more flexibility and elasticity than nitrile, with greater control, tactile sensitivity, and puncture resistance. Unlike nitrile, natural rubber latex gloves are also biodegradable.

2. The growing prevalence of latex allergies has played a leading role in the adoption of nitrile gloves. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says that between 8% and 12% of healthcare workers with frequent latex exposure develop a latex sensitivity.

3. For better or worse, nitrile gloves have a lower tear resistance than latex gloves—better in that this can actually make it easier to recognize a barrier break. Nitrile gloves are more resistant than latex to oil and grease.

4. Lightly powdered rubber gloves are less expensive than their powder free counterparts because the powder actually makes the manufacturing process easier (the powder prevents them from sticking to the mold). As a side benefit, powdered disposable gloves are also easier to put on.

5. Powder free latex gloves are a good alternative for those who are concerned about the potential development of latex sensitivity. Powder free disposable latex gloves have lower levels of the antigenic proteins that cause latex allergies.

6. The best chemical handling rubber gloves will vary depending on the types of chemicals being handled. Nitrile gloves are generally preferred for more corrosive liquids, and disposable latex gloves for moderate chemicals and chemical solids. Nitrile gloves are better chemical handling gloves for oils.

7. While the standards for disposable food handling gloves are lower than those for disposable medical gloves, the presence of lubricant powder or latex proteins is still important to consider. Nitrile or powder free rubber gloves will eliminate the possibility of protein/powder particle inhalation.

8. Our general purpose disposable gloves are also a cost-efficient option for shoppers in need of household rubber gloves. Because the frequency of latex exposure is reduced in a home environment, both nitrile and latex general purpose gloves are suitable.

9. The Aurelia medical and dental gloves available at OnlyGloves.com are medical grade examination gloves that meet all FDA requirements and are tested to the highest international standards. Aurelia Perform and Aurelia Transform are ultra-thin nitrile gloves that offer superb tactile sensitivity.

10. The best deals on bulk rubber gloves are at OnlyGloves.com. With most of our disposable gloves, an order of five or more (one order is 10 boxes at 100 gloves/box) earns a discount.