Disposable Latex (Natural Rubber)

Disposable Latex gloves are manufactured using a dipping process, similar to making a candle. A former, in the shape of a hand, is dipped into a vat of liquid latex rubber. This step may be repeated to achieve the desired thickness.

Powder vs. Non-Powder. The process of making virtually all disposable gloves involves the use of powder, usually USP grade corn starch. To get a powder-free glove means washing off the powder in a water/chlorine solution.

Medical Grade vs. Industrial. It is the manufacturers goal to make all disposable gloves be Medical Grade. Through an inspection and statistical analysis process, each batch of gloves is examined to determine whether they meet the FDA Class 1 medical device standard. Those that don't are classified as industrial grade.

The natural latex polymer contains proteins that some people have an allergic reaction to. While this is fairly uncommon (approx. 1 in 3000 people), it can be a problem. Our gloves have been chlorinated, which lowers the surface proteins on the glove. This reduces, but does not eliminate the problem. Switching to disposable Nitrile is a common option.