In a cleanroom or controlled environment, the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) that aligns with stringent regulations and contamination standards is paramount. Recent awareness around the environmental and health impacts of certain chemicals used in the manufacturing of disposable gloves, particularly accelerators, has led to a pivotal shift towards accelerator-free nitrile gloves. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of this shift, spotlighting why accelerator-free nitrile gloves are gaining in popularity.
What are Accelerators-free nitrile gloves?
Accelerator-free nitrile gloves are defined by their absence of chemical accelerants in the production process, distinguishing them from traditional nitrile gloves. Accelerators are chemicals added to traditional nitrile gloves during production to expedite the vulcanization process, ensuring the material's durability and strength. However, concerns about skin allergies and environmental sustainability have prompted a shift towards accelerator-free nitrile gloves. By eliminating these chemicals, accelerator-free gloves offer a safer alternative for both users and the environment.
Reduced Risk of Allergies
One of the primary advantages of accelerator-free nitrile gloves is the reduced risk of allergic reactions. Traditional nitrile gloves may contain residual accelerators, such as thiurams and carbamates, which can trigger contact dermatitis in some individuals. Accelerator-free gloves eliminate this risk, making them a safer option for users with sensitive skin or latex allergies. Accelerator-free options provide a safer alternative, ensuring personnel in Healthcare, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and laboratory settings can benefit from gloves that minimize the risk of skin irritations and allergic responses.
Uncompromised barrier protection and film permeation properties
Accelerator-free gloves continuously demonstrate superior tensile strength and durability, providing the much-needed barrier protection during application. In comparing accelerator free gloves to standard nitrile gloves, there is no compromise observed in physical film strength or chemical permeation capabilities of accelerator free gloves. Professionals in healthcare, research laboratories, and manufacturing industries can perform their task confidently knowing they have a safer option for their hand protection needs as well as a cleaner product for product protection.
Environmental Sustainability
As the world becomes increasingly environmentally conscious, businesses are seeking sustainable alternatives in their operations. Accelerator-free nitrile gloves address this concern by reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional glove production. The absence of accelerators in the manufacturing process results in a glove that is not only safer for users but also more eco-friendly. Fewer chemicals are used in comparison to conventional dipping methods, resulting in a cleaner production process and a cleaner final product. Choosing accelerator-free gloves contributes to a more sustainable and responsible approach to disposable glove usage.
For more details on how Ansell is advancing our sustainability claims and contributing to a greener planet, visit Ansell's Earth sustainability page.