Last updated on : January 17th, 2023 at 02:39 pm
Do you want to find out what are the benefits of latex disposable gloves? There are actually many to mention, but one of the notable benefits of latex disposable gloves over other alternatives is the high degree of touch sensitivity it provides to the wearer; it’s sure to hug the skin, giving another level of comfort.
Latex disposable gloves have been a very huge player for safety in multiple industries because of how flexible and durable it is. It is also made from a natural rubber material called latex.
To make latex rubber, white sap from a rubber tree is extracted. This is then gathered and is ready to be used for a number of applications. MWe will provide more information about thislater on.
However, we all know that in life, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies; there is always a catch. Behind all of the advantages that latex gloves provide, there is a downside. This is grave enough that some places in the world even ban the use of latex gloves. please read here how to meausre winter gloves size.
We will also be going over a short explanation about how these gloves are made, other types of gloves that can serve as alternatives, and more. If all these piqued your interest in any way, continue reading this article until the end.
Definition: What Are Latex Gloves?
Gloves in general, are really useful when it comes to safety. This is because these serve as a barrier between your skin and whatever it is you are dealing with. Latex disposable gloves are made of natural latex rubber, a substance extracted from rubber trees in a process called rubber tapping.
It is durable, flexible, and most of all comfortable. Latex gloves when worn, act as a second skin. Not only that, because it is biodegradable, you won’t have to feel guilty about hurting mother nature every time you wear a new pair.
This is why it is incredibly handy when surgeons use it to operate on patients. They prevent infections while still having good touch sensitivity, especially because they are very great at handling chemicals, including biochemicals.
The use of these gloves is not limited to hospitals but other industries as well. Because these gloves are disposable, they are thrown out after use. They can also come powdered or non-powdered.
The powder helps the wearer put the gloves on and off, considering how well it fits. Non-powdered versions are made slightly loose so that the powder won’t be necessary.
Latex gloves however have a huge disadvantage. That is, it can cause mild to severe allergic reactions to some people exposed to it. Some people experience these allergies only when exposed to latex materials, such as latex disposable gloves, for a long enough period.
This is the reason why other alternatives for latex rubber gloves are used. In addition, some places ban the use of latex disposable gloves in certain industries such as in food service and the medical field. To learn more about what are the benefits of latex disposable gloves, keep reading. please read here can latex gloves protect you from electricity.
How Are Latex Gloves Made?
First of all, let us talk about how exactly these gloves are made. Disposable latex gloves are made of latex rubber, which is collected from trees like the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). After extraction, the substance is then shipped to the factories for manufacturing their latex products.
Before the latex is manufactured into gloves, the ceramic hand molds are washed thoroughly to make sure that no contaminants are present. This includes leftovers from the previous batch of gloves that were made.
The molds are then dipped in a tub with a chemical responsible for making the gloves gel-like. The molds will then be dipped in liquid which is the hot latex rubber. After which, eFinally, excess rubber is removed from the molds by spinning.
These will then enter an oven which will dry the liquid in a process called vulcanization. After this, the gloves are collected and will undergo quality testing. Finally, the gloves that pass the test will be packed, ready to be shipped.
The Benefits Of Latex Disposable Gloves
Now let us talk about the advantages that latex gloves provide. Latex disposable gloves are made of natural rubber. It provides a great barrier that can prevent contamination and spread of diseases, and it can be used in hospitals because it has been checked and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Latex also has excellent resistance against chemicals like formaldehyde, chlorine, and a lot of acids and bases. It is also more durable and can prevent holes and tears from easily appearing compared to some alternatives.
It is very versatile and is used in multiple industries such as food service, veterinary clinics, automotive repair, and dental clinics. Lastly, it has a really good feel and fit, making it comfortable to wear and offers higher touch sensitivity compared to others.
The Allergic Reactions Caused By Latex
Latex gloves are slowly being substituted with non-latex alternatives because of the allergic reactions that they can cause. Exposure can give you the risk of developing allergies to Latex.
Mild latex allergic reactions include itching of the skin and redness. Symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, also occur. It can also make very sensitive people experience anaphylaxis which is very dangerous.
The trigger of these reactions can be inhalation and direct contact with latex-containing products. Direct contact, like wearing latex disposable gloves is one of the most common causes. This is why some states ban the use of latex gloves. It is for the safety and well-being of the people.
Other Types Of Disposable Gloves
Other disposable gloves that can serve as alternatives to latex disposable gloves include vinyl, poly, and nitrile gloves. These also provide safety and protection and have the same function as latex gloves. However, each one has strengths and weaknesses. please read here Are nitrile gloves food safe.
Vinyl gloves are great alternatives to latex gloves but are not as durable. These can prevent allergies and such but are synthetic and not that good for the environment. Poly gloves are made for light use and are not very durable. These are loosely fitted and offer the least protection but are very cost-effective.
Finally, nitrile gloves are the highest quality gloves that can replace latex gloves. These are the ones used as alternatives in medical settings, to deal with the drawbacks of latex.
Final Words
At the end of this article, I hope that you have learned how latex disposable gloves are made. Thank you for reading up to this point of the article. Your time and effort are very much appreciated.