What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of NBR Latex for laboratory gloves

If you happen to work in an environment that requires hand protection, or simply looking to safeguard yourself while doing tasks at home, our comparison on nitrile vs latex gloves will set you on the right path to choosing which is best for you or your staff.

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It was created specifically for those who are evaluating their options for a reliable way to keep their hands out of harm's way. With that in mind, let's dive into the details that will set these two popular types of gloves apart from each other.

What Are Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are a type of disposable glove made from synthetic rubber known as nitrile butadiene rubber. They were originally developed as a solution to the allergic reactions that some individuals experience with natural latex gloves. Nitrile gloves are known for their flexibility, durability, and resistance to chemicals, oils, and punctures.

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This makes them a popular alternative to latex gloves in many industries, including healthcare, food handling, and industrial settings. Nitrile gloves are also latex-free and allergy-friendly, offering a reliable option for those with latex sensitivities.

What are Nitrile Gloves Used For?

Nitrile gloves are widely used across various industries due to their high durability and resistance to chemicals and punctures.

They are commonly used in:

• Healthcare Environments
• Hospitals and Clinics
• Food Industry
• Laboratories for handling chemicals
• Industrial sectors

Nitrile gloves are also popular in the automotive industry and for general maintenance work due to their ability to withstand exposure to oils and mechanical wear.

Advantages of Nitrile Gloves

• High Rating for Chemical-Resistance
• Excellent Protection Against Viruses, Pathogens, and Bacteria
• Keeps the Hands Clean and Sanitary
• Hypoallergenic - Best Latex Allergy Alternative
• Nitrile Gloves are Completely Waterproof
• Great Puncture & Tear Resistance Qualities
• If Gloves Happen to Get Punctured it's Clearly Visible
• Created to Have Low Friction Resistance for Easy Removal
• Retains the Needed Tactile Sensitivity
• Conforms to the Hand for a Soft Comfortable Fit
• Durable and Sturdy Protective Glove
• Trusted Source in Many Industries

Disadvantages of Nitrile Gloves

• Slightly Higher Price than Latex - But Well Worth the Price Point
• Supply is Currently Scarce Due to High Demand
• Non-Biodegradable

What Are Latex Gloves?

Latex gloves are a type of disposable glove made from natural rubber latex. They are known for their excellent elasticity, flexibility, and fit, providing a high level of comfort and tactile sensitivity.

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Latex gloves are often favored in situations that require precision and dexterity, such as medical procedures or detailed work. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the proteins found in natural latex, which has led to the development of alternatives like nitrile and vinyl gloves.

What are Latex Gloves Used For?

Latex gloves are commonly used in the healthcare industry, especially in medical and dental settings, where a high level of protection and tactile sensitivity is required. 

They are ideal for:

• Surgical Procedures
• Patient Examinations
• Laboratories
• Clean Rooms, and for tasks that require handling delicate or small items.

While they provide excellent protection, their use may be limited in environments where individuals have latex allergies.

Advantages of Latex Gloves

• Biodegradable & Environmentally Friendly
• High Tactile Sensitivity
• Protects Against Viruses, Pathogens, and Bacteria
• Highly Elastic and Strong
• Keeps the Hands Clean and Sanitary
• Very Flexible and Comfortable
• Latex Has a Lower Price Point

Disadvantages of Latex Gloves

• Causes Negative Reactions in Those with Latex Allergies
• Provides Little Protection Against Oils, Chemicals and Solvents Compared to Nitrile
• Difficult to See Puncture Holes and Tears
• Powder is Used to Provide Less Friction Which Can Cause Allergic Reactions

What is the Difference Between Nitrile vs Latex Gloves?

Although they are manufactured to serve the same basic purpose - provide a barrier between your skin and harmful or unclean substances, they do differ in various ways. These differences can determine if nitrile or latex would be better for your particular circumstances.

Below you will find a breakdown of qualities that are typically important to the end-user, and how each glove type compares to the other:

Materials 

For those of you who may be interested in what elements are used in the manufacturing process, let's take a closer look:

Latex Gloves: The main component that makes up this particular glove is the sap that's derived from rubber trees, also known as Hevea Brasiliensis. The tree sap is comprised of a natural combination of various proteins and lipids. Chemical compounds are added to the sap; this includes ammonia, sulfur, pigments, zinc oxide, antioxidants, and thiurams to accelerate the rubber hardening process, as well as anti-webbing agents.

People tend to like latex gloves because they feel comfortable and like a second skin, which is especially advantageous if you require dexterity when using your gloves. This is one reason surgical gloves tend to be made out of latex.

Nitrile Gloves: They're created from what is called nitrile butadiene rubber, which is a copolymer that's formed by the process of bonding two molecules - butadiene and acrylonitrile. Acrylonitrile boosts the chemical resistance of the gloves, and butadiene makes the gloves strong so that they can resist tears and punctures. Because of made by an artificial process, nitrile is known as a synthetic rubber.

Other elements that are used in the manufacturing process are chlorine and polymer which aids in making the surface less friction-resistant for easy glove removal, as well as water, bleach, calcium carbonate, calcium nitrate, and petroleum. Nitrile doesn&#;t contain the same proteins that are found in latex, which is why it's safer for people with latex allergies.

Do Nitrile Gloves Contain Any Latex?

It&#;s a common misconception that nitrile gloves contain latex.

This has come about as a result of how nitrile gloves are made. To make nitrile gloves, rubber is taken from rubber trees and processed into latex. Then, they are processed again until they become the nitrile compound, and it&#;s during this stage that their latex proteins are eliminated.

Having to undergo additional processing is what used to make nitrile gloves expensive, but thanks to technological advancements their price has decreased.

Chemical Resistance 

If your line of work exposes you to chemicals of any type, it's worth researching what hand protection will stand up to hazardous chemicals the best. Nitrile gloves have been tested and rated with high chemical resistance and outperforms latex in this category. This is due, in part, to the acrylonitrile copolymers that give it a protective quality.

Here is a clear example of this material's ability to withstand chemical exposure - In a list of 71 chemicals, both glove types were rated against a particular substance, and the results concluded that nitrile had a mark of excellence protecting against 44 chemicals on the list, and latex had an excellence rating for only 24 of the 71 chemicals. Although latex gloves provides quality protection against many elements, chemical resistance is not one of its strong points.

Nitrile gloves are also greaseproof and oilproof. This is one big advantage over latex, which may break down when exposed to oil.

It's worth noting that with any single-use disposable glove, they should be subjected to the chemical for only a brief amount of time; long-term exposure is not recommended.

Waterproof 

Both latex or nitrile gloves can be worn with confidence when the task that's being performed requires working with water or other liquid substances. A quality hand covering will keep your hands clean and dry in damp environments, or when working with water-based materials, and the like. This makes them especially useful within the cleaning industry, with restaurant dishwashing staff, professional car wash establishments, and the like.

When a hand product is labeled as waterproof, this also means that other substances such as blood and bodily fluids will be kept at bay.

So, for the question at hand - which is more water-resistant? The answer is that no matter which of the two glove types you wear, they are both equal in their ability to keep water and other liquids from reaching your hands.

Allergies 

In the case of latex vs. nitrile gloves in regards to allergies, without a doubt, nitrile comes out on top. Although there are some who may have an allergic reaction to nitrile, which can be caused by a sensitivity to the rubber accelerators used to create them, it's not very common at all.

In contrast, allergies happen on a much larger scale with latex vs non latex gloves. Latex in general is an allergen, and there are many individuals who have mild to severe allergy symptoms when they come into contact with this material. Latex gloves also often have a powdered coating to make them easier to handle, but people can experience reactions to this powder, such as in the form of skin irritation and respiratory distress.

Nitrile gloves are latex-free and safe for use by those with skin sensitivities. If you, or any of your staff members have skin allergies, you will want to read this article we created on the topic of what hand protection is best for those with latex allergies.

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Additionally, if you do not have an allergy such as this, but you work directly with patients, latex should not be used because your patients may have an allergic reaction. Furthermore, care must be taken if you're in the food prep industry. Latex gloves should be avoided because the food that is being handled could be consumed by those with latex allergies.

Tactile Sensitivity 

Because they are very close in their level of sensitivity, the difference between latex and nitrile gloves when it comes to the sense of touch, can be determined by the end-user. Even so, we will go over a few details regarding this topic:

Latex Gloves: They feature a great sense of touch, as well as a snug fit. Some refer to them as having a "second-skin comfort level". This is why they have been preferred by doctors who perform surgical procedures, as well as nurses.

However, it's most likely the case that it would need to be confirmed that the patient does not have a latex allergy first. If you're a nurse doing research on the topic, you will want to review our article titled - What Type of Disposable Gloves Should Nurses Wear &#; Nitrile or Latex?

Nitrile Gloves: This type of hand protection also offers a snug fit, with good tactile sensitivity. Manufacturers have made great progress in bringing this glove type up to par with latex in regards to sense of touch, which makes them a great alternative for those needing to retain tactile sensitivity without the threat of an allergy attack. To achieve this, they have been made thinner while keeping the strength and durability that they are known for.

In addition to this, one aspect of nitrile gloves that attracts those looking for tactile sensitivity, and the ability to grasp small items, is the fact that they conform to the hand as they are exposed to the warmth of the skin - mimicking a shrink-wrap effect.

In sum, although latex has a reputation for being great in its ability to retain the sense of touch, nitrile can also meet the standards of those looking for this quality. Both pass the test for tactile sensitivity needs.

Punctures & Tears 

When it comes to nitrile gloves vs latex gloves in a puncture and tear resistance comparison, nitrile holds up the best. Not only in the puncture and tear resistance itself, but also its ability to reveal them. This is an essential element because if a glove was punctured and it goes unnoticed, the hands can be exposed to hazardous substances such as patient blood or pathogens.

Why is nitrile less likely to tear? Because it's a thicker and more durable material - this is in part to the butadiene that is used in creating flexibility and resistance to tears. Plus, it has been shown that nitrile hand products are 3 to 5 times more durable than latex.

When it comes to strength and tear resistance, latex just doesn't hold up as well. So those working in industries where hand exposure could be detrimental, a nitrile product would be more appropriate. Also, latex is known to not reveal tiny holes and tears as easily as its counterpart.

Low Friction-Resistance 

For latex-based gloves, powder that's applied during the manufacturing process can help lessen the friction when hand coverings are put on and taken off. This is important when working in an industry where frequent glove changing is essential. However, the powder, which is typically a cornstarch base, can irritate the skin for some, and powder is not recommended while working with food.

Concerning low friction, what is the difference between latex and nitrile gloves? Nitrile has lower friction that's created during the manufacturing process. This is accomplished by applying a special coating that is meant to ease friction. This means that no powder is needed.

All things considered, nitrile is the better choice for those who work in an environment where gloves would need to be switched out often.

Affordability 

In a price comparison for nitrile gloves vs. latex, you will typically find that nitrile is slightly higher. Why is this the case? To begin with, the cost reflects the quality of the product. It's designed to be durable, tear-resistant, and highly protective against chemicals, and it's the best hypoallergenic alternative. These four aspects alone present it as a quality glove and justify the price point.

Because of its reliable protective qualities, nitrile is in high demand, and in turn, this material has become more scarce. This is especially true during the recent global COVID pandemic. Market analysts have revealed that the demand for hand protection has almost doubled in less than a year, from 300 billion gloves to 585 billion, with the numbers growing rapidly. Additionally, production has slowed down in manufacturing facilities due to this worldwide pandemic. Take a moment to review our latest article that covers the strong demand for nitrile gloves during the pandemic.

Because nitrile is labeled a highly reliable glove against viruses, pathogens, and the like, during this time, even the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile's reserves are being depleted. It was reported that they had 72 million in stock in December, but 4.5 billion was their intended target. It's clear that with the current need, the stockpile has come up short. This is a testament to how trustworthy nitrile gloves really are in the eyes of medical professionals, the general public, as well as the government.

In sum, it may be a little higher in price than latex, but when it comes to hand protection, you or your staff's health, well-being, and peace of mind, it's certainly worth the cost. If you're in need of this particular type of hand protection, please visit our Nitrile Gloves product page.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit NBR Latex for laboratory gloves.

When Should You Use Nitrile Vs Latex Gloves?

Before you choose between nitrile and latex gloves, it&#;s good to consider what you&#;ll need them for. Both types of gloves can be used for almost all the same purposes, but there are some exceptions.

Latex gloves can be used for general usage, dishwashing, janitorial tasks. When it comes to food cooking and preparation, it&#;s worth bearing in mind that latex gloves are not always recommended as a result of their potential to cause latex allergies. In addition, the powder that&#;s usually used on latex gloves to make them easier to put on and remove can leave behind a residue on food.

Since they have excellent tactile sensitivity, they are recommended for use in healthcare settings, such as medical exams, dental work, and surgery &#; but only if the patient isn&#;t allergic.

Other industries that often use latex gloves include:

• Police/Security/Forensics
• Scientific Labs
• Manufacturing/Industrial (if not working with hazardous chemicals)
• Plumbing
• Postal/Mailing Houses
• Janitorial/Commercial Cleaning (if not coming into contact with chemicals)

Nitrile gloves can be used for many of the same tasks that latex gloves are used for, such as general usage, dishwashing, janitorial work, and medical exams. However, since they are powder-free and latex-free, they can also be used to cook and prepare food. This gives them an edge over latex gloves because it makes them more versatile.

• Child care
• Dental
• Police/Security/Forensics
• Oil & Gas Sectors
• Construction
• Automotive
• Scientific Labs
• Manufacturing/Industrial
• Plumbing
• Postal/Mailing Houses
• Janitorial/Commercial Cleaning
• Pest Control
• Beauty Salons (if you're in the salon industry, check our best gloves for salon workers.)

What About Vinyl Gloves?

Vinyl gloves usually come up as an alternative to latex because they are also safe to use by people who have latex allergies. They&#;re also inexpensive, easy to put on, and comfortable to wear. This is because they have a looser fit, but that does come with a big drawback - if the fit is too loose, this can interfere with the gloves&#; tactile sensitivity and level of protection.

There are other important drawbacks to know about vinyl gloves. They can&#;t be used in healthcare settings where there&#;s a risk of one coming into contact with bodily fluids and blood.

Vinyl gloves are permeable to viruses in fluids and tend to leak easily. Since they lack the strength and protection that you want from disposable gloves, they are not as effective as latex and nitrile gloves.

Is Nitrile Better Than Latex?

Whether nitrile is better than latex depends on the specific needs of the task at hand. Nitrile gloves offer several advantages over latex, particularly for individuals with latex allergies, as they are made from synthetic rubber and are allergy-free. Nitrile gloves are also more resistant to punctures, chemicals, and oils, making them ideal for industrial, medical, and high-risk environments.

However, latex gloves provide a superior fit, flexibility, and tactile sensitivity, which makes them ideal for tasks that require precision and dexterity, such as surgeries or detailed medical procedures.

In summary, nitrile is generally better for tasks requiring higher durability and chemical resistance, while latex may be preferred in situations where comfort and tactile sensitivity are key. The choice ultimately depends on the nature of the task and any allergy concerns.

Which Gloves Are Better, Latex, Vinyl or Nitrile?

The best choice between latex, vinyl, and nitrile gloves depends on the specific requirements of the task and any potential allergy concerns.

Latex gloves offer excellent elasticity, fit, and tactile sensitivity, making them ideal for tasks requiring precision, such as medical procedures. However, latex can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, which limits its use in certain settings.

Vinyl gloves are a cost-effective option and are best suited for low-risk, short-term tasks such as food handling or general cleaning. They are less durable and flexible than latex or nitrile and offer limited protection against chemicals and punctures.

Nitrile gloves are highly durable, resistant to chemicals, punctures, and oils, making them ideal for high-risk or industrial environments. They also do not cause latex allergies, offering a safer alternative for individuals with sensitivities to latex.

In summary:

• Latex gloves are best for precision tasks where allergies are not a concern.
• Vinyl gloves are suitable for low-risk and short-term tasks.
• Nitrile gloves are the top choice for durability, chemical resistance, and allergy prevention.

Nitrile Gloves Vs Latex - Which One is Right for You?

Thoroughly researching the best disposable gloves for your intended use is a wise path to take. With that said, we hope that our nitrile vs latex gloves comparison has been helpful in deciding between these two popular glove types.

If you have any questions regarding which product is appropriate for you or your staff, don't hesitate to contact us.

Or, if you have already come to a conclusion as to which glove you prefer, simply visit our Nitrile or Latex product pages. If you're making an order for your organization we also offer bulk latex gloves and bulk nitrile gloves.

As a manufacturer of vital PPE such as surgical or FFP masks made in Germany, we are now including the nitrile glove as another part of the medical PPE in our range. In this context, we would like to provide precise information about the quality features to be considered when deciding for or against such disposable gloves. In addition, it is important to us to explain the differences between different types of gloves in addition to the quality features.

What is nitrile?

The chemical building block behind nitrile is called acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. This is also known by the abbreviation "NBR" (an acronym from the English "Nitrile Butadiene Rubber"). At the chemical level, we are talking about cross-linked polymer molecules made of acrylonitrile and 1,3-butadiene, which then, as an elastomer, belong to the subgroup of plastics.

Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that essentially has the same properties as a plastic. However, as an alternative for allergy sufferers, it is free of latex proteins, has a high resistance to chemicals, oils and fats and also offers protection against solvents, viruses and germs. Furthermore, the nitrile glove adapts perfectly to any hand shape.

Basically, disposable gloves can be categorized into three different types. Due to product-based advantages and disadvantages, the three different types of gloves naturally qualify for differentiated work areas. Without exception, we offer the modern nitrile gloves for safe use. Nevertheless, we see it as our duty to provide information about all three types.

What is the difference between latex gloves, vinyl gloves and nitrile gloves?

• The latex glove The disposable glove, which was still classic until recently, is now only used in the powder-free version. Since , there has been a legally binding obligation to exchange powdered natural latex products for unpowdered, low-allergen natural latex gloves with an allergen content of less than 30 µg/g glove material or gloves made from another suitable material. While the powdering ensured that the glove could be put on and taken off smoothly and thus adhered less to the wearer's skin for more comfort, it was legally withdrawn from circulation for PPE. Due to the 8th Device Safety Ordinance, medical gloves and finger stalls are part of the PPE and may therefore no longer be used according to the Ordinance on Hazardous Substances (GefStoffV) and the Chemicals Act (ChemG) due to primary and secondary prevention. While the variant with powdering ensures that the glove can be put on and taken off smoothly and therefore sticks less to the wearer's skin, the powdering promotes the absorption of latex proteins. These in turn can cause an allergy or very strong allergic contact reactions in one or the other person. A ban on this variant makes perfect sense for the well-being of carriers and patients and was a very sensible step. More detailed information can be found in the guideline of the AWMF (Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies e.V.): "Requirements for gloves for infection prevention in healthcare".
  

• The vinyl glove The base material of this type of glove is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with the addition of plasticizers, making it malleable and elastic. Of the three types of gloves, this is the most cost-effective variant. The plasticizers make the PVC more stretchable. Since this type of glove can tear easily, this type of glove is primarily suitable for use in (very) low-risk areas. Some of the plasticizers used during production can be dissolved out, which means that they should be used with caution, for example with fatty foods, as contamination of the processed foods is possible.

• The nitrile glove This modern variant made of synthetic rubber has good elasticity (up to 600%), adapts very well to the shape of the hand, provides the wearer with a good grip and is free of any latex proteins. Without these proteins, allergic reactions from gloves are impossible for both the wearer and the patient. Therefore, there is no asthma, itching, eczema or other side effects that can occur with latex gloves. In addition, there are no plasticizers like in vinyl gloves. Nitrile gloves also offer excellent tear resistance, offer protection against solvents, chemicals, viruses and germs and have a high resistance to fats and oils. Furthermore, there is no longer any accumulation of heat in the glove, which prevents the hands from sweating and makes them more comfortable to wear. Thanks to their elasticity, nitrile gloves also adapt perfectly to the hand of the wearer and ensure that the wearer is comfortable to wear during work, where a high level of tactile sensitivity is important. The glove is produced in two variants: with and without powdering. Without exception, we offer these modern gloves without powdering. Of course, we would like to provide comprehensive and transparent information about both variants.

What are the pros & cons of nitrile gloves?

Nitrile gloves are available with and without powder. The main advantages and disadvantages of powdered nitrile gloves are:

• Easy to put on even with wet or damp hands

• Any irritation to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes (if the powder is inhaled)

• Ban on use in the food industry

• Residues on clothing from powder

The main advantages and disadvantages of nitrile gloves without powdering inside are:

• Skin friendliness

• Suitable for any food

• Putting on the gloves with powder is a bit easier than without

The nitrile glove is resistant to chemicals, viruses, bacteria, microorganisms and offers good protection against fats and oils.

This makes it versatile, which means that daily use is not just limited to medical PPE, but can also be used across many other industries.

Where are nitrile gloves used?

The following excerpt gives a small cross-section of areas of application and requirements in relation to their quality features:

• Human medicine (hospitals, doctors in private practice, emergency services), veterinary medicine as well as elderly and nursing
  Above all, compliance with European standard 455 (EN455) must be ensured. This is decisive as to whether a glove can be used in medicine. This standard is of course a basic requirement in our production and is at least met by all our products. More specifically, our nitrile gloves meet the standards EN 455-1 / -2 / -3 / -4 as well as EN 374-1 / -2 / -5 / -5 and EN 420.
  

• Food industry and gastronomy
  Unlike both latex & vinyl gloves, the nitrile glove is suitable for an end use where wearers are working with greases and oils. This offers a huge advantage, especially in the food industry. Unfortunately, latex gloves are not suitable for working with oils or fats, as these become brittle and lose their elasticity. Depending on contact, vinyl gloves made of PVC can release plasticizers, which in the worst case can lead to harmful or allergic reactions when eating the processed food.

• Chemical laboratories and cleaning work
  The nitrile glove can also be found in chemical laboratories and for work that involves everyday contact with chemicals. It is of course very important to us to extensively test our gloves made of high-quality nitrile. Our nitrile gloves are resistant to many chemical splashes and disinfectants/cleaning agents (EN 374-1 / -2 / -5 / -5).
  

• Cosmetic, tattoo and hairdressing studio
  The advantage of tear resistance is a big factor for the use in any cosmetic field for the nitrile glove. The high wearing comfort as well as increased protection and accuracy due to the high tactile sensitivity after a long period of work are very advantageous for these industries. A primarily visual branch of industry will probably also be happy about the possibility of color adjustments to the individual corporate identity.
  

Our nitrile gloves: protection and comfort

It goes without saying that we take the quality control of all our products very seriously. Before, during and after the production of our nitrile gloves, we have precise sequences that ensure accurate products that the end user can enjoy.

Of course, we want to create transparency for users who wear any kind of gloves. Of course, without our precise measuring instruments and systems, users can only carry out an apparent test that reveals any quality. Basically, the following must be observed:

• Visual Check: Discolored gloves indicate an anomaly & should not be used

• Damage: A porous glove should not be used

• Glove tightness test: A damaged product will leak air (or water).

Of course, we are always open to questions about our medical products.

Are you interested in learning more about synthomer nbr latex? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!