"Latex vs. Nitrile Gloves: Understanding the Key Differences and Benefits"

Main Differences

Material:

• Latex: Made from natural rubber harvested from rubber trees.
• Nitrile: Synthetic rubber produced from acrylonitrile and butadiene.

Allergic Reactions:

• Latex: Can cause allergic reactions, including serious allergies for sensitive individuals.
• Nitrile: Generally better suited for people with latex allergies as it is synthetic and does not trigger latex-specific allergic reactions.

Chemical Resistance:

• Latex: Good resistance to some chemicals but can be vulnerable to certain solvents and aggressive chemicals.
• Nitrile: High resistance to many chemicals, including petroleum products, acids, and solvents, making them the preferred choice in chemically aggressive environments.

Elasticity and Comfort:

• Latex: High elasticity and conforms to the hand shape, providing better feeling and comfort during use.
• Nitrile: Less elastic than latex but recent technologies have improved the elasticity and comfort of nitrile gloves.

Advantages

Latex Gloves:

• High elasticity and comfort;
• Good grip and tactile sensitivity;
• Suitable for use in medical and food processing where precise hand movement control is required.

Nitrile Gloves:

• Excellent protective properties against chemicals and punctures;
• Suitable for people with latex allergies;
• Longer service life, which is especially important when working with sharp objects or aggressive chemicals.