Are rubber gloves causing allergic contact dermatitis?

Chemical accelerators, such as carbamates, thiurams, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), and 1,3-diphenylguanidine (DPG) in rubber gloves are proven contributing factors to contact allergies (Cao et al. 2010). Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a skin reaction directly linked to the chemical accelerators used in the manufacture of rubber gloves.

What is vulcanisation in rubber gloves?

Vulcanisation creates cross-links in rubber molecules to enhance properties such as elasticity, tensile strength and tear resistance in rubber gloves (Mok & Eng, 2018). Chemical accelerators have traditionally been used to carry out the vulcanisation process during the production of natural rubber latex, nitrile and neoprene gloves.

Is TP a good accelerator for rubber?

TP is an ultra-fast accelerator for natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber and latex. It is safe at set time because of its curing velocity is lower much to ammonia salt of dithiocarbamate. TP is mainly suitable for latex products because it is easily soluble in water. It is also used a little in dry rubber.

Are nitrile gloves safe for workers with ACD?

In recent years, glove manufacturers have introduced new production processes resulting in low-protein rubber gloves, vulcanisation accelerator-free gloves and specific purpose gloves (Crepy, 2016). For instance, GloveOn COATS Nitrile has non-detectable levels of accelerators, making it a great alternative for workers with ACD.

Are nitrile gloves vulcanised?

While most glove materials, such as nitrile and latex, look and feel the same, they are made to be used throughout a wide range of industries. To ensure all gloves produced are fit for purpose to satisfy industry standards, glove manufacturers use the process of vulcanisation to provide better performance.