Wearing lab gloves is essential to keep yourself and others protected from exposure to hazardous chemicals. They provide a barrier against hazardous substances, chemical and thermal burns, lacerations and permanent skin damage.
But how do laboratory gloves work? And what can happen if you don’t wear them? Find all the answers right here in this month’s EasyGloves article.
What are Hazardous Substances in a Lab?
‘Hazardous Substances’ is a broad term referring to a range of chemicals that cause mild to severe reactions on your skin or in your body. These include carcinogens, toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitisers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins and neurotoxins.
Although you could order these chemicals from least to most toxic, their toxicity depends on several factors. These include the concentration of the substance, the duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility to their harmful effects.
Those with numerous allergies are prone to more severe reactions to irritants and sensitisers, but the stronger a chemical becomes, the more vulnerable we all are.
Irritants
Irritants cause irritation and inflammation to the skin but usually only affect the area of contact. This means that the reaction isn’t likely to spread and will remain centralised. Some irritants, like ammonia, chloroform and chlorine are more hazardous for their fumes than their liquid state, so it’s essential to use a fume hood in conjunction with chemistry gloves to prevent inhalation and exposure.
Sensitisers
Sensitisers can present similarly to irritants, but the primary difference is that irritants cause immediate irritation upon contact, whereas sensitisers induce an immune response after repeated exposure. Your susceptibility to sensitisers may depend on your pre-existing allergies, but it’s vital to use laboratory gloves regardless.
Sensitisers include epoxy resins, latex, soaps and cleaners, enzymes and wood, particular metals including nickel, as well as isocyanates, aryl hydrazines and benzylic halides. These sensitisers are harmful to the skin and can be detrimental to lung health after repeated exposure. Wearing lab gloves and lab masks can prevent exposure to these potentially harmful substances.
Toxins
Toxins refer to substances that cause internal damage to living organisms. Hepatotoxins specifically target the liver, Nephrotoxins damage the kidneys, and Neurotoxins cause the nervous system to deteriorate. Toxins affect nerve cells and can lead to neurological disorders, depending on the frequency of exposure and the concentration of the chemicals.
It’s important to note that all of these toxins can be absorbed through the skin. Although the effects won’t be immediately felt upon exposure, the potentially fatal consequences are enough to ensure you’re wearing lab gloves when working with them!
Some examples of toxins include lead, mercury, Per- and Polyflouroalkl Substances (PFAS), Pesticide chemicals and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs).
Carcinogens
Carcinogens are any substances that have the potential to cause cancer. Cancerous substances are often absorbed through inhalation, but dermal exposure is just as common and dangerous and generally avoidable.
Two of the most common occupational carcinogens include Asbestos and Formaldehyde. In their fibrous and gaseous states, these carcinogenic substances cause lesions and penetrate the skin, leading to absorption and the eventual development of cancer.
Fortunately, lab gloves provide a highly effective barrier against carcinogens, and when used in conjunction with other PPE, can prevent exposure altogether.
Corrosives
Corrosives, especially in high concentrations can cause immediate destruction to living tissues upon impact. Substances including Bromine, Sodium Hydroxide, Sulphuric Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide are highly corrosive liquids you may come into contact with in the lab.
Only very specific gloves can be used for handling corrosive substances. But what are they? And how do you know which gloves are suitable for which level of hazardous substance?
Which Type of Chemistry Glove is Suitable for Hazardous Chemicals?
There are many different types of chemistry gloves to choose from, but particular types of gloves will only be suitable for certain types of chemicals.
What Substances Do Latex Gloves Protect Against?
Latex gloves are only suitable for protection against low-risk chemicals and substances, including detergents, alcohols, bodily fluids and biohazards. When exposed to stronger chemicals, the latex will break down and stop protecting your skin.
Do Polythene Gloves Protect My Skin From Chemicals?
No. Polythene gloves are designed with light, low-risk tasks in mind, such as food preparation to prevent cross-contamination. Polythene gloves will not protect your hands from chemicals, and shouldn’t be used in any capacity.
How Effective are Nitrile Gloves Against Hazardous Chemicals?
Depending on their thickness, and their EN Rating, Nitrile gloves are the most protective type of gloves used in a laboratory. They offer superior chemical resistance over other types of gloves and keep your hands safe from chemicals, acids and oils.
So, Which Gloves Do Easy Gloves Recommend for The Lab?
Here at Easy Gloves, the only gloves we recommend for protection against hazardous chemicals are the Aurelia Chem Max gauntlet gloves. They’re EN 388:2016, EN ISO 374-1:2016/Type B and EN ISO 374-5:2015 certified, offering permeation resistance and protection against dangerous chemicals and micro-organisms.
If you’d like to enquire about the Aurelia Chem Max gauntlet gloves’ compatibility with a specific chemical, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts are happy to offer advice and guidance.
Keep yourself protected from chemical exposure with Easy Gloves.
