Concerns over hepatitis, AIDS and other highly communicable diseases have helped fuel extensive growth in the disposable vinyl gloves industry. Each year, billions of gloves are sold, and the market is steadily growing. And given the rising concern over latex allergies, the use of synthetic alternatives is expected to continue to increase.

Composition of Disposable Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl material gloves are made from Polyvinyl chloride which is the result of polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers, a product of ethylene and chlorine. All ingredients used must pass pre-submission, biocompatibility testing of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For this reason, the chance of anyone having chemical reactions to the ingredients in PVC is relatively low.

Although PVC is the most widely used vinyl type the vinyl family is comprised of seven major types that may not contain chloride. In addition to PVC, they are: polyvinyl acetals, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl carbazole, polyvinyl chloride-acetate, and polyvinylidene chloride (Saran).

Vinyl belongs to the plastic-material class of thermoplastic materials, according to the Handbook of Plastics and Elastomers. It softens easily upon heating then hardens and takes the shape of the vinyl glove mold upon cooling. Other examples of thermoplastics are nylons, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polyethylenes and polypropylenes.

Vinyls are relatively tough and strong, resist water and abrasion, and are excellent electrical insulators. They are not ruined by prolonged contact with water, oils, foods, or common chemicals. This makes them a superior key component for medical grade gloves.

Historical Background
Vinyl chloride monomer was first prepared in a laboratory by Justus von Liebig and his student Henri Victor Regnault in 1835. The production of polyvinyl chloride polymers became commercialized in the 1930s. Years later, vinyl exam gloves were invented as a substitute to natural rubber latex gloves by a medical doctor named William Abildgard. In 1958, Dr. Abildgard established the Derma-Shield Corporation in San Jose, California to market his vinyl glove products.

Pros and Cons of Disposable Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves offer a low-cost, practical barrier of protection for all types of general and work environments. They don’t contain latex proteins, and this makes them a healthier option for people with latex allergies. Latex sensitivity can cause a range of complications, including skin itching, rashes, asthma and even death in serious instances. The lack of latex, coupled with the affordability of this synthetic material, make vinyl gloves a practical option for many users.

However, disposable vinyl gloves tend to fracture and puncture more easily than other synthetic materials when they become stressed through use. And this makes them fit less comfortably than other glove materials. Elasticity and memory are limited, causing vinyl material gloves to have a more relaxed fit. Therefore, they are generally reserved for short procedures that don’t involve contact with blood or body fluids. They should only be used in low-risk, non-bloodborne pathogen applications.

DonTheGlove.com has both powdered vinyl gloves and powder-free vinyl gloves.