We get get many questions about accelerator free gloves and rightfully so. As you likely know, latex gloves cause many people to experience allergic reactions, which has turned many people towards using nitrile gloves instead, because nitrile doesn’t pose the same threat of allergies. However, now with the prominent use of nitrile gloves, we’re seeing more and more people develop sensitivities to nitrile exam gloves as well. Vinyl is left being one of the few other glove options that can be used in a medical or exam situation, however vinyl gloves do not offer the same protection nor elasticity as a latex or nitrile glove, and vinyl gloves are not able to be used in chemotherapy applications. We’ve rounded up some common questions in regards to this topic that will help you navigate the ever-changing glove scene.
I thought nitrile gloves were hypoallergenic. What causes an allergic reaction in nitrile gloves?
Most nitrile gloves (and other non-latex gloves) are manufactured using a sulfur-based chemical accelerator which may cause something called Type IV Hypersensitivity, or a chemical allergy.
How do I know if I’m allergic to nitrile gloves?
You might be allergic to nitrile gloves if you experience some of these symptoms: itchiness, small blisters, or a red rash in the area you were in contact with the glove, i.e. hands only.
What is a chemical accelerator anyway?
Chemical accelerators are typically used in the manufacturing of non-nitrile gloves, i.e. nitrile, to help stabilize the molecules and allow them to form into a strong and durable glove.
Should I try accelerator-free gloves?
Why not! Whether you have a chemical sensitivity or not, moving to an accelerator free glove will help you to maintain a more toxic-free lifestyle, since these gloves are manufactured without the chemicals found in traditional nitrile gloves.
Which accelerator free glove should I try?
This one! These gloves retain all of the benefits of traditional nitrile exam gloves, like chemical and puncture resistance, however they are made without the chemical accelerators.
