What is the Use of Vinyl Gloves?

Several types of vinyl gloves are available, and each one has its own benefits and applications. Many foodservice professionals find them useful in handling foods, while medical workers can find exam-grade gloves to be ideal for daily use. Janitorial and sanitation workers also use them for additional protection against bacteria and other microorganisms. To learn more, keep reading to discover the most common applications of vinyl gloves. Listed below are some of their most popular uses to know if you are looking to Buy Vinyl Gloves.

Uses of Vinyl Gloves

Flexible

Vinyl gloves are great for a variety of different tasks. If your job requires handling food, then you may want to use a medical-grade pair. Otherwise, these gloves are excellent for everyday use. While medical-grade options are most commonly recommended, many industries also benefit from their versatile use. Janitorial and sanitation professionals use these gloves to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. You can find gloves that will work for all of these purposes.

Adaptable

The thermal and mechanical properties of vinyl gloves were studied using a Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analyzer (DMTA) model Q800. The gloves were prepared as rectangular specimens with dimensions of 25 mm x 8.5 mm x 0.06 mm. A standard deviation of 25 mm was found for all the data sets. It was determined that the degradation mechanisms did not affect the thermomechanical properties of the gloves. This characteristic allowed the researchers to determine the adaptability of vinyl gloves.

Dioxins

While vinyl gloves may be safe to wear, the chemicals used in the production process can cause severe health risks. PVC, a common polymer used in the manufacture of vinyl gloves, is high in chlorine, which is often released during disposal. These chemicals can enter the water supply and settle in the soil, releasing dangerous dioxins and other chlorinated substances. Many vinyl gloves contain plasticizers like DEHT, which are not chemically bound to the glove.

Food industry

In 2008, the European Union banned vinyl gloves from food safety products. Sweden proposed restrictions on PVC use and is working to eliminate its use altogether. China recently banned its use due to its increased pollution levels and negative environmental effects. PVC releases dioxins into the atmosphere, which have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems, and at least one of them is a carcinogen. Because of these concerns, manufacturers are working to reduce or eliminate vinyl gloves from their products.

Testing

Several tests are available to determine the barrier strength of vinyl gloves. In this standard, the test gloves are soaked in 1000 mL of water and suspended for 2 minutes. Similarly, ASTM D3578 evaluates puncture resistance. When these tests are performed, the gloves must have a minimum tensile strength of 14 MPa before and after aging. The testing methods vary, and they may not be appropriate for every glove type.

Cleaning

Cleaning is a tough job. While it is important to keep equipment clean, the chemicals and dirt you work with can be hazardous to your hands. In order to avoid an allergic reaction, you should wear vinyl gloves while cleaning. These protective gloves are usually single-use and come in powdered varieties, which can be sterilized. However, they are not a viable option for every application.

Other Alternatives

PVC

PVC gloves are a cost-effective alternative to latex and are used in industries that require frequent glove replacement. They are often used in foodservice applications, janitorial work, and salon and beauty industries. PVC gloves vary in durability, depending on the task. Lightweight PVC gloves are suitable for use in the foodservice industry, while heavy-duty PVC gloves are ideal for use with acids, caustics, and some solvents.

Nitrile

Although latex gloves can be very strong, they can also be very sensitive to the chemicals they contain. Vinyl gloves do not have this problem because they are made of synthetic materials. As a result, they won't irritate people who are sensitive to latex. Because of this, they are quickly replacing latex gloves in many applications, including the medical field. The basic material that vinyl gloves are made of is nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). This is a copolymer that is made up of butadiene and acrylonitrile. These two materials are then combined using a chemical process called copolymerization.

Latex

While latex gloves are generally preferred for safety and flexibility, they can be dangerous if you are allergic to them. In fact, latex allergies can result in anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. Exposure to latex can result in hives or itchiness on the skin, and in rare cases, even anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to understand what causes latex allergies before using these protective gloves.