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    Are Glove Toxins Making Us Sick?

    Mon, Jun 19, 23

    Disposable gloves are essential for protecting food, patients, and workers, but not all gloves are created equal. Gloves are made from materials such as nitrile, latex, or vinyl (PVC). Even when labelled 'FDA food‑compliant' or 'cleared for medical use', limited regulatory oversight allows potentially harmful chemicals to be added during manufacturing, chemicals that pose risks to glove wearers, the products handled, and public health.

    This article highlights the types of glove toxins, their potential health impacts, and how to choose safer gloves.

    Common Glove Toxins and Their Risks

    Phthalates and BPA

    Phthalates are plasticisers added to PVC or vinyl gloves to make them soft and flexible. Often inexpensive, they may comprise up to 50% of raw materials and may also include BPA.

    Health risks associated with phthalates and BPA include endocrine disruption, reproductive problems, developmental issues, and cancer, concerns documented in peer‑reviewed literature.

    Some regions have banned phthalates in food‑service gloves. Yet they remain present in many vinyl gloves globally, including those used for food handling.

    A representative study found that higher fast‑food intake was associated with significantly increased urinary levels of phthalate metabolites (DEHP and DiNP).

    PFAS or “Forever Chemicals”

    The production and disposal of PVC gloves often involve chlorine and may release hazardous by‑products, such as PFAS (so‑called "forever chemicals"), dioxins, mercury or asbestos, depending on manufacturing processes.

    Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver impairment, fertility issues, asthma, and thyroid disorders. While regulatory standards vary by region, the potential health risks suggest caution when using PVC gloves, especially for food handling or frequent skin contact. Although New Zealand has no standards for PFAS chemicals in food, the MPI states, “foods exposed to PFAS are a potential health risk”.

    Accelerators and Allergens

    Nitrile and latex gloves often rely on chemical accelerators, such as thiurams, carbamates, and mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), to create elasticity and durability. However, these accelerators are known allergens and may cause contact dermatitis or other occupational skin diseases.

    Because manufacturing is loosely regulated, gloves from different batches or manufacturers may vary widely in chemical content, meaning even gloves from the same brand might differ in safety.

    Other Toxic Chemicals

    Some manufacturers use cheap raw materials in glove production to cut costs, potentially introducing toxic compounds (e.g., fungicides, carcinogens such as o‑Phenylphenol).

    The inconsistent supply chain and manufacturing processes mean glove quality, including chemical safety, barrier performance, and manufacturing hygiene, can vary dramatically between batches.

    In practice, PVC/vinyl gloves show higher failure rates (e.g., tearing, micro‑holes) compared with nitrile or latex gloves, increasing the risk of chemical or microbial transfer.

    Real-World Consequences: Health and Industry Impacts

    IVF and Reproductive Health

    IVF testing using disposable gloves

    A scientific study by an infertility centre revealed that high toxicity levels in 8 out of 10 medical glove brands negatively affected embryonic development during in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The study emphasised the importance of routine glove testing, noting that even batches from the same brand can vary in toxicity (Olson L, 2019).

    Chemical Migration Into Food and Exposure

    Phthalates, BPA, and other small-molecule chemicals can leach from gloves into foods handled by glove wearers, especially in conditions of heat, moisture or friction (Tsumura et al. 2001).

    This represents a food‑safety risk as well as a route of exposure for consumers. For individuals handling food or working long hours with gloves, repeated dermal absorption or ingestion (via food) is a serious concern. (Zota et al. 2016)

    Occupational Skin Disease & Allergic Reactions

    Accelerators and other glove chemicals contribute significantly to occupational skin diseases; data estimates that they account for up to 95% of all cases of OSD (Cahill. 2012). Contact dermatitis from glove use accounts for a large share of occupational skin disease cases worldwide (Cao et al. 2010) (Kaniwa M. 1994).

    Workers with sensitive skin, existing allergies, or frequent glove use are particularly vulnerable, which underscores the need for safer glove options such as Eagle's Sensitive nitrile examination gloves.

    Ensuring Safe and Consistent Gloves

    Given the chemical, health and safety risks associated with single-use gloves, particularly PVC/vinyl, adopting strict quality control practices is vital. This includes:

    • Verifying glove materials (avoid PVC/vinyl where possible)
    • Requesting chemical safety data or testing for phthalates, PFAS, accelerators, and other hazardous compounds
    • Ensuring a consistent supply from the same manufacturer and batch, to avoid variability
    • Opting for accelerator‑free nitrile gloves for staff with sensitive skin or frequent glove use

    Eagle Protect’s own quality verification program, Delta Zero™, is an example of how to maintain rigorous standards and ensure both food, patient and user safety.

    Gloves are a simple safety tool,  but a complex product with hidden risks. To reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, allergens, and manufacturing inconsistencies, make sure to choose gloves that are tested for safety, free from harmful accelerators, and manufactured under strict quality control.

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    Contact us today to learn which gloves are best for your business and how to ensure safety from the first touch.

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    References

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