Whole-Glove Integrity and Chemical Resistance of Disposable Nitrile Gloves

Details

• Personal Author:
  Phalen RN
• Description:
  Disposable nitrile gloves are a common latex-free alternative used for barrier protection against biological and chemical hazards. However, differences in performance between glove brands have been a longstanding issue. Glove movement has also been suspected to account for discrepancies between laboratory test results and worker exposures. Industry standards exist for various physical and mechanical attributes; still, they do not ensure equivalent worker protection. AIMS: This research evaluated the influence of simulated movement on glove integrity (as leak failures) and chemical resistance of disposable nitrile gloves. We hypothesized that movement would increase leak failures and decrease chemical resistance. In addition, we investigated the compositional, physical, and mechanical properties most associated with barrier performance. We hypothesized that polymer composition and uniformity are more predictive of performance than the standard measures used by industry. METHODS: The effect of movement was tested by exposing gloves to simulated movement and then comparing the performance outcomes to a non-movement exposure. Glove integrity was evaluated using a modified water leak test to detect holes capable of passing a virus. Chemical resistance was evaluated using permeation testing with ethanol. RESULTS: Although considerable differences in leak failures existed between glove brands, movement was not found to significantly affect glove integrity. This was a positive result, indicating that gloves used as a watertight barrier would not be affected by repetitive hand movements. In contrast, movement significantly affected chemical resistance. On average, ethanol was detected 20% sooner (ranging from 3-33%) and move through the gloves 20% faster (ranging from 1-78%) with exposure to movement. For a simulated 30-min exposure period, the combined effects of sooner breakthrough and faster permeation equated to potential worker exposures three times those without movement. For the second part of the project, compositional properties and polymer uniformity were predictive of why some glove products performed better than others. The primary factors associated with improved glove integrity were a lower area density (g/cm2) and a lower maximum modulus (MPa). The primary factors associated with improved chemical resistance were higher amounts of acrylonitrile (a major component of the polymer), higher amounts of carboxylation (a special treatment of the base polymer), lower amounts of added oils and plasticizers (softening agents), higher area density, and improved polymer uniformity. Combined, these factors were associated with about 50-70% of the observed product variability. CONCLUSIONS: These findings will aid in the improved selection of existing disposable nitrile gloves and aid in the development of improved manufacturing and quality control standards needed to reduce disparities in performance. Health and safety professionals can use this information to establish workplace protection factors (similar to those used with respirators) that take into account product variability and the effect of movement on performance. Lastly, this study has identified key factors that can lead to the improved integrity and chemical resistance of disposable nitrile gloves. Future research can lead to a much needed certification of these products, in a similar manner to respirators, which would simplify the selection process, ensure user confidence, and better protect workers. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Protective Clothing Quality Control Safety
• Keywords:
  Chemical Protective Clothing Equipment Testing Gloves Hand Protection Personal Protective Equipment PPE Quality Control Quality Standards
• Series:
  Grant Final Reports
• Publisher:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Final Grant Report
• Place as Subject:
  California ; OSHA Region 9
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  OEP - Office of Extramural Programs
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1-52
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20059096
• NTIS Accession Number:
  PB2022-100310
• Citation:
  Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, R21-OH-009327, 2012 Nov; :1-52
• Contact Point Address:
  Robert N. Phalen, California State University San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407
• Email:
  phalen@csusb.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2013
• NORA Priority Area:
  Manufacturing ; Public Safety
• Performing Organization:
  California State University - San Bernardino
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20090901
• Source Full Name:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• End Date:
  20120831
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:a3ad8b9a3c7c75716a78f3094f2a021f49a55ca8ea542b43b6c5403b6408b4736a9e0434edf3aa00eb953d6f61eed83ebddcfe9ab5ba6f8018250204735d9449
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/218966/cdc_218966_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 559.52 KB ]