Rubber Gloves
Latex gloves are made from a natural substance produced by rubber trees. Rubber is harvested as latex, and the sticky, milky substance is refined into rubber or may be coagulated and processed into dry forms.
The rubber latex polymer used to make rubber gloves is biodegradable and inherently antimicrobial and antibacterial.
What Are the Benefits of Rubber Gloves?
Latex or natural rubber gloves are used to protect your hands against contamination by a substance. Conversely, they protect an item or substance from contamination by your hands. Rubber is very stretchable, resilient, and waterproof.
Rubber gloves should fit snugly. Palm and finger surfaces may be textured to improve the grip. Latex gloves vary in thickness, color, and cuff lengths and finishes. Some are sterilized and they may be powdered or lined for easier donning and doffing.
What Are Rubber Gloves Used for?
Rubber gloves are used in:
- Agriculture and dairy industries
- Battery maintenance
- Bottling, canning, and food packaging
- Chemical protection
- Painting, plating, and paint manufacturing
- Laboratory and healthcare settings
What Kinds of Rubber Gloves Are There?
Various types and construction of rubber gloves exist. Gloves may be unsupported (made of rubber only) or supported. Supported gloves have a coating of rubber over a textile or other material. Latex can also be combined with other materials to create gloves for specific purposes.
As a natural substance, latex can cause allergic reactions in some people. Exposure to natural latex gloves or other products can produce anaphylactic shock for people with latex allergies. The antigenic proteins in latex can be somewhat reduced during processing, although the residue of chemicals used during processing can also cause allergic reactions.
In addition to hand protection, eye protection is important as well. Browse chemical splash goggles, faceshields, eye protection safety signage, and other personal protective equipment.