Nitrile gloves are an increasingly popular alternative to natural latex gloves in medical settings. Nitrile is a synthetic latex polymer. It's more resistant to friction, making gloves made of nitrile easier to put on. Nitrile gloves are more expensive than their natural latex counterparts, but they possess some unique characteristics that make them a useful alternative in many settings.
Latex-free
Nitrile gloves contain no latex proteins. This is important due to the rise of latex allergies, especially among those in the medical professions. Latex proteins are highly allergenic and can cause severe anaphylactic reactions among those sensitive to them. According to the National Institute on Occupational Safety and Health, the exact rate of prevalence of latex allergies is disputed, but it is well-known that repeated exposure increases the chance of experiencing a reaction, and so health care workers are at higher risk. Note that nitrile gloves are not strictly hypoallergenic; nitrile and latex share some chemical compounds that can cause contact dermatitis in those who are sensitive. This means that nitrile gloves are better for avoiding the activation of a latex allergy or sensitivity than as a substitute material for those already sensitive to latex gloves.
Puncture-resistant
Durable nitrile is three times more puncture-resistant than latex. This makes it suitable for use in high-risk settings such as for EMT responders as well as for some industrial purposes. Remember that while the increased puncture resistance of nitrile makes these gloves safer for some applications, no glove is puncture-proof.
Chemical-resistant
Nitrile gloves are the gloves of choice for medical personnel handling certain potent chemotherapy drugs, as nitrile is more resistant to certain chemicals, oils and solvents than latex. This chemical resistance also makes them a good choice for certain industrial uses. Again, remember that resistance does not guarantee protection from solvent spills or chemical penetration.
