What Is a Thin Rubber Glove?
Thin rubber gloves are gloves suitable for detailed work using fingertips.
They are classified into natural rubber gloves and synthetic rubber disposable or reusable, and should be used separately depending on the intended use.
Uses of Thin Rubber Gloves
Thin rubber gloves are widely used in cleaning, water work, gardening, construction sites, food processing, and medical settings. They are often used to protect hands from dirt, roughness, and injury, as well as for thermal protection.
Because of their excellent flexibility and fit, they are suitable for detailed work that requires the use of fingertips. Because they are durable and can be used for long hours, they are useful in medical fields during surgeries, examinations, and medical checkups.
The three main purposes for using thin rubber gloves in the medical field are as follows
- To protect medical personnel from the risk of infection and contamination via blood, body fluids, needles, scalpels, etc.
- Prevent patients from being exposed to contaminants through the hands and fingers of healthcare workers
- Reduce the risk of contamination of medical facilities and supplies
Hygiene must also be considered, especially when used for surgery. Thin rubber gloves are always sterilized.
Principle of Thin Rubber Gloves
Sulfur is used in thin rubber gloves to increase the rubber’s durability, elasticity, and heat resistance. Without the addition of sulfur, the rubber could deteriorate quickly and tear apart.
However, the process of adding sulfur to rubber, known as vulcanization, takes time. Therefore, vulcanization accelerators are used to increase production efficiency. Anti-aging agents are also useful to prevent deterioration.
Typical compounds of vulcanization accelerators are thiramide compounds, dithiocarbamate compounds, and mercapto compounds. Typical compounds of anti-aging agents are N-isopropyl-N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine.
Types of Thin Rubber Gloves
Thin rubber gloves are classified into natural rubber gloves and synthetic rubber gloves.
1. Natural Rubber Gloves
Natural rubber is produced from the sap (latex) of the Para rubber tree. Asia accounts for 90% of the area where the Para rubber tree is cultivated. Because of its superior breaking strength, durability, and low heat generation, large tires for trucks, buses, and airplanes are made from 100% natural rubber.
The rubber component in latex is said to be 30-40%. The basic skeleton is polyisoprene, a cis-bonded isoprene C5H8. Cis-bonding increases breaking strength and durability. Since it is difficult to produce 100% cis-bonded polyisoprene in synthetic rubber, its breaking strength and durability are inferior to those of natural rubber.
The disadvantages of natural rubber gloves are that they cannot be used against oils and chemicals, and the sap, latex, can cause allergic reactions. Synthetic rubber gloves, on the other hand, are made from petroleum and can be used against oil and chemicals. They also do not cause latex allergies.
2. Synthetic Rubber Gloves
Synthetic rubber, also called nitrile rubber, is made from petroleum and is used against oils and chemicals. It does not contain latex and does not cause latex allergy. However, they can cause allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed allergic reaction.
In addition, the cost of synthetic rubber gloves is somewhat higher, whereas natural rubber gloves are less expensive.
Other Information on Thin Rubber Gloves
1. Latex Allergy
Latex allergy is an allergic reaction specific to natural rubber. As an immediate allergic reaction, symptoms appear within two hours after skin or mucous membrane contact with the gloves or inhalation of the powder on the gloves. The main symptoms are urticaria at the site of contact and on the whole body, respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, and anaphylactic shock.
The causative agent is a protein component in the sap (latex) of the Para rubber tree. It is said to be contained in natural rubber at about 1.5%.
Fruits and vegetables have also been found to contain components similar to the above proteins. Particular attention should be paid to chestnuts, bananas, avocados, and kiwifruit, which can trigger latex-fruit syndrome. Before using natural rubber gloves, it is important to check in advance whether you have experienced any discomfort or tingling sensation in your mouth when eating fruits and vegetables.
People who are prone to allergic reactions are said to be more likely to develop latex allergy because their skin barrier function is already weak. Care should be taken depending on one’s individual health.
2. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a delayed allergic reaction. It develops hours to days after contact. Symptoms include itchy eczema, erythema, edema, serous papules, dryness, cracking, and rough hands.
The causative agents are said to be vulcanization accelerators and anti-aging agents. Therefore, both natural and synthetic rubbers can cause the disease. Treatment includes topical steroids, antihistamines, and oral steroids.
Prevention of the onset of the disease includes wearing cotton gloves under rubber gloves, avoiding use for long periods of time, using vulcanization accelerator-free rubber gloves, and patch testing before use.