With the now widespread masks still not easily available, disposable gloves have also become useful protection measures against Coronavirus – Covid-19 infection. But to be of effective protection, it is necessary to follow some simple precautions in use and purchase.
Then, let’s see what there is to know about gloves, the various types, which is better to buy and, above all, here is a useful guide to know how to put them on and take them off in the right way.
Types of disposable gloves: The materials
Although there are different types, they are disposable gloves: it is important to throw away the glove and use a new one at the next opportunity.
Latex Gloves
Certainly, the most popular model: latex gloves are resistant, waterproof, and thanks to their thin thickness and elasticity, they leave the wearer a good sense of touch. The only drawback of latex is that it can cause sensitization and the consequent allergy leading to chapped hands and small cuts.
For this reason, the new models of latex gloves are produced after eliminating the allergy-causing proteins. Latex gloves are sold in different colors, but this does not affect the thickness or final product’s final quality.
Nitrile Gloves
Unlike latex, a natural substance, nitrile is a chemical substance that manages to reproduce latex’s elasticity and strength. To the touch and sight, nitrile gloves are perfectly the same as latex ones.
This type of material is used in allergic subjects. Still, above all, thanks to their characteristics, they are used in the food sector: nitrile is a suitable material for processing fatty foods.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are made from plastics and are less resistant and less elastic than latex and nitrile gloves. Despite being classified as personal protective equipment, they are not sufficient to defend against biological risks, including Covid-19. So, don’t be tempted by their low price, as it is not enough to deal with this health emergency.
Polyethylene gloves
Polyethylene gloves are those found in the supermarket at the fruit and vegetable counter. In this case, despite being soft and easy to wear and being very cheap, they do not offer any protection from biological risks.
And reusable gloves?
The classic kitchen gloves, thicker and more resistant, are reusable ones. Those in nitrile and neoprene have high protection for biological risk, but as we have said, it is strictly necessary that the gloves are disposed of after each use: you can use them, but you will have to use other gloves when you have to wear them.
Disposable glove: which model to choose?
In the meantime, we have shown you the different materials with which the gloves are produced, but to defend against biological attacks, the gloves must have some words on the packaging. Let’s see which ones.
Personal protective equipment: Cat.1 and Cat.3
By personal protective equipment, we mean all those precautions that protect the person from any risks caused by the performance of certain activities: obviously, PPE is designed for workers at risks, such as healthcare personnel, personnel in the industry, and food sectors. But now they can also serve to defend against contagion.
Many gloves fall within the category 1 device, i.e., minimal risk: they are ideal for protecting against any injury or contact with mildly aggressive cleaning substances or prolonged contact with water. This type of gloves cannot protect against biological risks, bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
For this reason, it is necessary to opt for category 3 devices, the most well-known life-saving devices, so-called because they are useful for protecting against deadly risks, such as radiation, biological agents, dangerous substances, and much more. In particular, this category includes all those gloves called EN ISO 347-5: 2016 VIRUS: only these are really able to protect the person from any contact with bacteria and viruses.
Size guide
Apart from the choice of material and safety category, it is also necessary to choose the right size: it is important to avoid buying gloves that are too large for your size. If they do not adhere well to the skin, they could let in harmful substances.
Obviously, otherwise, that is to say, too tight, they would risk breaking immediately. A small size corresponds to a hand length between 5.7 and 6.4 inches, while a large size covers up to 7.8 inches in length.
Do gloves really serve to defend against Covid-19?
A bit like masks, it is good to know that gloves as perfect allies against the Covid-19 virus can become real vehicles of infection if some precautions are not adopted. It is good to keep in mind that gloves do not replace hand washing, and once worn. It is necessary to avoid touching the face’s sensitive parts such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
The same goes for your cell phone or other commonly used things: if you are standing in line at the supermarket with gloves on to avoid touching the trolley, you should avoid texting with your cell phone or answering the phone by bringing your hand close to your mouth. It has just been placed on the trolley!
Disposable gloves: How to wear them the right way
First, check that you have purchased the right size gloves. It is important to wash your hands before use, and once inserted, it is good to check that there are no breaks on the surface and that they adhere well to the hands.
Disposable gloves: How to take them off
The most delicate part is this: taking off your gloves. It is necessary to pay attention to this operation to avoid coming into contact with the glove’s outer surface. Then grab the glove by the end, wraps around the wrist, and take them off in reverse so that the dirty part remains inside.
Where to buy disposable gloves?
In this period, these products have very variable availability. We recommend that you look at Amazon, which has real-time availability of many models from multiple vendors. Here is a selection of the gloves of the moment:
- The ideal solution for individuals sensitive to natural rubber latex and donning...
- Comfortable fit with textured fingertips for excellent tactile sensitivity.
- Extraordinary strength, stretchable durability and puncture resistance with premium...
- LATEX-FREE & POWDER-FREE: Supmedic nitrile gloves contain no natural rubber latex and...
- FEATURES: Blue nitrile has a smooth finish for greater tactile feedback and is the...
- BULK QUANTITY: conveniently packaged to reduce storage space while ensuring a supply...
- Nitrile Gloves: Chemical & puncture-resistant nitrile gloves provide a higher level...
- Food Safe Gloves: Non-sterile and powder-free nitrile gloves can be used in...
- Latex-Free Gloves: Rubber and latex-free nitrile gloves are non-irritating and offer...
- 100% FREE OF LATEX, RUBBER, POWDER, PROTEIN: Protect your hands from any nasty...
- EXCELLENT QUALITY DURABLE NITRIPRIDE VINYL – NITRILE BLEND GLOVES: Made of the...
- AMBIDEXTROUS GLOVES – BULK VALUE OF 100: Form fitting with an ambidextrous design,...
- MEDICAL EXAM GLOVES: Our 4-mil black disposable gloves are medical gloves designed to...
- LATEX-FREE: Vinyl gloves contain no natural rubber latex, unlike latex gloves; these...
- FOOD SAFE: Our disposable latex-free gloves are powder-less food-grade gloves that...
- MEDICAL EXAM GLOVES: Our 4-mil vinyl exam gloves are thicker than typical...
- LATEX-FREE GLOVES: Vinyl gloves contain no natural rubber latex, unlike latex gloves;...
- FOOD-SAFE GLOVES: Our vinyl gloves are powder free food grade gloves that can be used...
- Medical Exam Vinyl Gloves – Designed for handling bodily fluids, or for food...
- Thick, Heavy-Duty Resilience – Crafted with a 4 mils thick PVC, these versatile...
- Commercial or Industrial Use – These vinyl medical exam gloves can be used by...
- FUCHSIA NITRILE GLOVES: These 3-mil gloves offer protection against grease, soil, and...
- LATEX-FREE: Ideal for latex-allergic users, our fuchsia nitrile gloves are made...
- FOOD-SAFE: Our powder-free, food-grade gloves are perfect for food processing, prep,...
- PRE-COVID QUALITY: Remember when gloves were strong, rip free and durable? These...
- STRENGTH AND DEXTERITY: Inspire Nitrile Gloves provide strong protection every time....
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONALS: The exam grade glove trusted by medical professionals....
- Black Gloves: These disposable gloves are three mils thick, highly stretchable, and...
- Nitrile Gloves Medium: These black nitrile gloves fingers have textured tips for a...
- Multipurpose: Hand-E's black disposable gloves are the ideal bbq gloves, mechanics...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.