Overview
Latex gloves are made from natural rubber latex tapped from rubber trees. They were the dominant disposable glove for most of the 20th century due to their superior comfort, fit, and tactile sensitivity. Many healthcare systems have shifted to nitrile-only due to the rising prevalence of latex allergies among staff and patients.
Materials
- ✓Natural rubber latex
Key Features
- ✓Excellent fit and tactile sensitivity
- ✓Superior elasticity
- ✓Biodegradable (natural material)
- ✓Cost-effective at scale
✓ Pros
- +Best comfort and fit of any disposable glove
- +Excellent tactile sensitivity
- +Strong and elastic
- +Lower cost than nitrile in some markets
- +Biodegradable
✗ Cons
- −Type I latex allergy risk (1-6% of population)
- −Higher among healthcare workers (up to 17%)
- −Limited chemical resistance
- −Degraded by oils and hydrocarbons
Who Uses Latex?
Healthcare workers (non-allergic)Lab researchersDental professionals