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Chemistry Lab Glove Types

If you are working in a lab with potentially hazardous chemicals, it is essential to protect yourself by wearing suitable gloves. Many chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and produce toxic effects or burns. Since some gloves materials can be attacked by certain chemicals, you must choose a type that is right for the situation. Other gloves are designed primarily to protect your hands against cuts or abrasions.

Natural and Synthetic Rubber
- Butyl rubber, an artificial polymer, is a common material for lab gloves used when handling chemicals. It is more expensive than some other common glove materials. The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory states that this material offers very good resistance to some common solvents such as acetone, but it does not stand up well to others, including chlorinated chemicals.Other lab gloves are made from natural rubber, also known as latex. Argonne states that these gloves are suitable for use with many solvents but do not work well with oils. Latex can also cause allergic reactions for some people.
Other Polymers
- According to Argonne National Laboratories, gloves made of nitrile, a common alternative to latex, do not produce allergic responses. They are inexpensive and suitable for use with a number of organic solvents but are not recommended for all such chemicals. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a less common glove material that offers protection against strong acids and bases as well as alcohols. Neoprene, another artificial polymer, can be used for specific applications, such as when handling the solvent phenol.
Chemical Resistant: More Polymers
- Although expensive and water-sensitive, gloves made of polvinyl alcohol (PVA) are useful when working with a wide range of chemicals such as chlorinated solvents. Other gloves can be made of a fluoroelastomer polymer which, although expensive, also stands up well to chlorinated compounds. According to Argonne, such material offers good chemical protection but poor puncture- or tear-resistance.
Other Hazards
- Low-temperature gloves are needed when working with extremely cold materials such as liquid nitrogen or very hot ones such as glassware. These gloves can be made of leather, cotton or rubber but are typically well-insulated to protect the skin from low temperatures. One type is woven from silica yarns that can offer protection from high temperatures. Scientists working with radioactive compounds also may wear lead-lined gloves for protection. Gloves made of metal mesh will protect against cuts or sharp objects, and leather gloves will guard against hot sparks or scrapes.

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