Overview
Vinyl gloves are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with plasticizers. They are the cheapest disposable glove option and widely used in low-risk applications where dexterity, fit, and barrier protection are not critical.
Materials
- ✓Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- ✓Plasticizers (often phthalates)
Key Features
- ✓Lowest cost per glove
- ✓Latex-free
- ✓Looser fit than nitrile or latex
- ✓Adequate for short-duration, low-risk tasks
✓ Pros
- +Cheapest disposable option
- +No latex allergy risk
- +Easy to put on and remove
✗ Cons
- −High failure rate (3-5x more than nitrile)
- −Poor fit and dexterity
- −Limited chemical resistance
- −Not approved for medical exam in most markets
- −Environmental concerns with PVC
