Paddy
As I understand it the standard relates to a specific, laboratory based, test method. Other studies of gloves under normal conditions of use indicate that in general vinyl offers less protection against biological hazards that do NRL and nitrile. Incidentally, there is now abundant evidence that low free protein, unpowdered, single-use NRL gloves present almost no risk of latex allergy. Indeed, to quote the evidence based review by the Royal College of Physicians: “No reports of new cases of latex allergy arising from non-powdered low protein latex glove use were found.”
In this context you might take a look at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/latex/about.htm
I think you will find that HSE's recommendation is now that where there is actual or potential exposure to body fluids NRL should be the glove of choice, but unpowdered, low free protein.
Incidentally, there is now a new process available in Malaysia whereby NRL gloves can be treated to reduce the level of the four proteins that can cause latex allergy to below detectable levels.
Chris
EnviroDerm Services
Unit 10, Building 11
The Mews
Mitcheldean
GL17 0SN
Tel: +44 1386 832 311/831 777
www.enviroderm.co.uk
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