Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become an essential aspect of our lives in the since the pandemic arrived in 2020. Gloves, in particular, have been the primary defense against the spread of infections in the medical, health, and food sectors. Two of the most popular glove materials are nitrile and latex. In this blog post, we will discuss the history of nitrile gloves versus latex gloves in the medical, health, and food sectors.

Latex gloves were first introduced in the healthcare industry in the 19th century. They quickly gained popularity due to their flexibility, comfort, and sensitivity. Latex gloves are made from natural rubber, which makes them cost-effective and easily disposable. For decades, latex gloves were the preferred choice of medical professionals due to their strength, elasticity, and dexterity.

However, the use of latex gloves declined in the late 1980s when concerns arose about latex allergies. It was discovered that a significant number of healthcare professionals and patients were experiencing allergic reactions to latex gloves, which could be life-threatening in some cases. This led to the development of nitrile gloves, which are made from synthetic rubber and are free from latex proteins.

Nitrile gloves were introduced in the early 1990s and were initially used in the automotive industry. However, due to their strength, puncture resistance, and chemical resistance, they quickly became popular in the healthcare industry. Nitrile gloves are also an excellent alternative for people with latex allergies. They are more durable than latex gloves and are ideal for tasks that require high tactile sensitivity and dexterity.

Today, both nitrile and latex gloves are widely used in the medical, health, and food sectors. However, nitrile gloves have gained popularity due to their superior strength, resistance to punctures and chemicals, and the absence of latex proteins. In addition, nitrile gloves are also recommended for use in food handling, as they are less likely to react with food proteins.

In conclusion, both nitrile and latex gloves have their advantages and disadvantages. However, nitrile gloves have become the preferred choice in many industries due to their superior strength and the absence of latex allergies. If you're in the market for gloves, consider the advantages and disadvantages of both materials before making your purchase.