What Is Nitrile?

Nitrile is a chemical compound that has recently come into wide use in disposable gloves. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber, very similar to latex in look and feel. It can be a less expensive alternative to latex gloves in a health care setting.

History

• Nitrile compounds have been synthesized for hundreds of years for various uses. Nitrile rubber, as it is used in gloves today, became more common during World Wars I and II, when natural rubber was diminishing in supply. The first nitrile gloves were used in the chemical industries and were thicker and less supple than the nitrile gloves used today.

Significance

• It is estimated that nearly six percent of people have latex allergies. Sensitive people coming into contact with latex can have reactions that range from minor skin irritations to full-blown anaphylactic shock. Because of this, there has been a large movement in the health care industry to begin to offer nitrile gloves to workers who are sensitive. These gloves are also an option for doctors and nurses working with latex-sensitive patients.

Features

• Nitrile gloves tend to be stronger and more durable than latex gloves. Nitrile is more difficult to puncture (three times more puncture resistant, in fact), which adds a small measure of additional protection for health care workers. Nitrile also has a longer shelf life than latex, which tends to degrade and become brittle when held on shelves for too long or under extreme conditions. Within the chemical industry, nitrile has the benefit of being more resistant to chemicals and solvents and thus offers more protection.

Considerations

• There are a few advantages to using latex gloves instead of nitrile. Latex is a natural product, and is a renewable resource, and since both types of gloves ultimately end up in landfills, this may be a more environmentally friendly option. Latex gloves are also less expensive than nitrile gloves.

Misconceptions

• While nitrile gloves are stronger and more puncture-resistant than latex ones, they are not puncture proof. Thus, similar precautions need to be observed whether nitrile or latex gloves are used.