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How Long Do Germs Live on Latex Gloves?

Germs are virtually everywhere, and it is difficult to keep your latex gloves germ-free. The length of time that germs can survive on latex gloves varies and is dependent on a number of factors such as humidity level, temperature, type of surface and germs.

  1. Humidity

    • Humidity is largely responsible for germs' survival rate because most germs cannot stay alive on completely dry surfaces. Any kind of moisture on the latex gloves can provide an area where germs are likely to live and reproduce. Bacterial and viral germs will quickly die if humidity levels are less than 10 percent.

    Temperature

    • Certain germs, such as E. coli and the calicivirus (which causes stomach influenza illnesses), prefer room temperatures to live on latex gloves. E. coli germs can survive from a couple of hours to an entire day outside of the body. The calicivirus has a longer lifespan, from several days to weeks. Other viruses, such as HIV, expire in the presence of sunlight almost immediately.

    Types of Surfaces and Germs

    • According to MayoClinic.com, cold and flu germs typically stay alive longer on harder areas such as steel and plastic shells rather than on softer surfaces like textiles, cloths and latex gloves. In addition, the type of virus matters. For example, flu viruses tend to live longer than cold viruses regardless of the surface on which they exist.

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