Is nitrile latex free?SummaryWhen most people refer to “latex”, they’re referring to natural rubber latex. Nitrile gloves do not contain natural rubber latex. Instead, they’re made with a man-made synthetic polymer, sometimes referred to as Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, or NBR for short.
What is Latex?
The definition of latex simply refers the stable dispersion of polymer microparticles in water. Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a kind of latex which is produced by dispersing and suspending tiny particles of natural rubber in water. NRL is made with particles derived from plants, such as rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). It is the only glove polymer made from natural resources. Gloves made from natural rubber latex are very elastic and soft, allowing them to feel comfortable and offer good dexterity. The downside to natural rubber latex gloves is that they contain proteins which can cause allergic reactions among some wearers. An estimated 8-17% of occupational workers have a natural rubber latex allergy. Latex allergies range from mild to severe and can even be fatal. People with latex allergies can have an allergic reaction, including skin irritation, rash, hives, runny nose, and difficulty breathing, when they inhale latex particles or come into physical contact with latex. The risk of allergies has increased demand for nitrile gloves, which is made with a synthetic polymer and does not contain plant-based proteins. Are nitrile exam gloves latex-free?
Disposable nitrile gloves are made with nitrile latex film, which is produced by stably dispersing and suspending tiny particles of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) in water. The term latex refers only to the suspension of NBR particles in water. Nitrile gloves do not contain natural rubber latex. They are a good choice for people concerned about latex allergy risks. Nitrile gloves offer excellent durability and resistance to puncture and abrasion. They can also be manufactured with a thinner profile than gloves made of other polymers, allowing for better tactile sensitivity. Over the past decade, nitrile gloves have become much more comfortable and more broadly accepted by wearers. How Ansell can help?
Understanding the key benefits of each glove polymer will help you make the right decision when selecting single use/examination gloves for the needs of your workers and the hazards they face. Ansell offers a wide variety of disposable nitrile, neoprene and latex gloves for a multitude of uses and needs. View Ansell's portfolio of single use/exam gloves below. View Nitrile Gloves
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